United States Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

This is a United States five-cent piece, commonly known as a Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The reverse side (shown) features an American bison standing on a mound, with the inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top and 'FIVE CENTS' below the bison. The coin has a diameter of 21.2mm and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Based on the flat ground under the bison, this appears to be the 'Type 2' design, which was standard from mid-1913 through 1938. The coin shows significant circulation wear; much of the original detail on the bison's hide, horn, and tail is smoothed, and the rim is beginning to merge with the legend. The overall color is a dull, consistent grey with a matte patina indicative of heavy use. A common issue with this series is the wearing down of the date on the obverse, making well-circulated specimens difficult to date precisely without viewing the opposite side. No specific mint marks are clearly visible in this resolution, though they would typically be located below the 'FIVE CENTS' inscription.