Indian Head Nickels
The Indian Head nickel is a US5 cent coin produced from 1913 to 1938, designed by James Earle Fraser. It was also known as the Buffalo nickel or Bison nickel, as a picture of the American bison is displayed on the reverse side of the coin. On the obverse side is a picture of a Native American Indian. The composition of the coins was 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The Indian Head nickels bear mint marks according to the places where they were produced S (San Francisco) and D (Denver). Philadelphia coins did not have any mint marks. The 1913 Buffalo nickels were issued in two batches. The first batch of coins had raised surfaces on which the `Five Cents` wording were inscribed. This was rapidly worn away, so the second variety was issued with a recessed side.
Old Indian Head nickels are very popular with coin collectors. The value of Indian Head nickels depends very much on the year of minting, location of the mint and condition of the coin. Most Indian Head Nickels are reasonably priced, and therefore within the budget of most coin enthusiasts. These coins should have legible dates unless they are worn away, or badly damaged. Old Indian Head nickels without dates are generally not regarded collector`s items.
Among the rare Indian Head nickels is the 1937 Indian Head nickel. It featured a buffalo with a missing right foreleg. The leg was accidentally removed when cleaning off some other dirt during the minting process. Other coins that the collectors look for, are the 1913 Variety 2 coin from San Francisco, 1918 Indian Head nickel from Denver and the 1916 double die coin. These are very valuable coins and rank very highly on the collector`s list.