1930 United States Buffalo Nickel Appraisal

1930 United States Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

This item is a 1930 United States five-cent piece, commonly known as a Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, featuring the iconic profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse (though the reverse is not visible in this image). This specific specimen exhibits a 'Dark Tone,' as noted on the 2x2 cardboard coin flip, which indicates a heavy natural patina or environmental oxidation that has darkened the original silver-grey luster of the nickel surface. Physically, the coin measures approximately 21.2mm in diameter with a plain edge. On the obverse, the Native American profile shows moderate wear; while the basic features are clear, there is smoothing visible on the hair braids and the cheekbone. The date '1930' is legible at the lower left, and the word 'LIBERTY' is visible at the upper right. The cardboard holder features handwritten notations including '1930', 'VF+' (indicating a grade of Very Fine plus), 'Dark Tone', and a '8' which likely refers to a price or inventory number. The condition suggests circulated use with softened high-point details but no major gouges or scratches visible through the protective Mylar window. The craftsmanship represents the early 20th-century American realistic style of coinage which moved away from classical allegories toward more rugged, nationalist imagery.