1913 First Year of Issue Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel first minted in 1913 celebrates the 100 anniversary of issue in 2013. The First Year of Issue Buffalo Nickel is securely sealed in an acrylic case and rests handsomely in a wooden display box. The First Year of Issue Buffalo Nickel was first released into circulation on March 4, 1913 and composed of copper and nickel. The design was created to enhance the beauty of American coinage. The designer James Earle Fraser wanted to create something totally American and therefore decided upon the Buffalo which was unique and a large part of our western states heritage. The Native American Indian also fit right into his idea. Fraser claims he used several composites to draw the portrait of the Native American Indian Head which is on the obverse of the coin. Fraser said the reverse design was modeled after Black Diamond, a bison at the Bronx Zoo. But historians claim Black Diamond was never at the Bronx Zoo but was housed at the Central Park Zoo. Another bison, Bronx, was the leader of the herd at the Bronx Zoo. The placement of the horns on the nickel differ greatly from that of Black Diamond leaving one to wonder if he was the model. The American public deemed to call it the Buffalo Nickel since its first release in 1913. The Buffalo or Indian Head nickel was last minted in 1938. The wooden box is lined with satin and measures approximately 10 by 12 inches. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.