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 obverse features a right-facing profile of a Native American man, which Fraser stated was a composite of three different chiefs. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, exhibiting a dull silver-grey metallic color typical of this alloy. It measures approximately 21.2mm in diameter. Notable features include the word 'LIBERTY' embossed along the upper right rim. The condition of this specific specimen shows significant circulation wear; the strike is flattened, and many of the finer details of the hair and facial features have smoothed out. Most importantly, the date typically located on the shoulder of the Native American figure is completely worn away, a common issue with this series due to the high relief of the design area. There is substantial contact marking and a general loss of luster, indicating an 'About Good' to 'Good' grade. This series was minted between 1913 and 1938, placing this coin in the early to mid-20th-century American numismatic period. The craftsmanship reflects the transition toward more artistic, high-relief American coinage during the 'Golden Age' of US coin design.