1915 Buffalo Nickel

About This Coin

The 1915 Buffalo Nickel is a United States nickel from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series — an early issue, 3rd of 23 years in the series. In 1915, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 30.1 million. This ranks 7th of 23 years by total mintage, below the series median of 48.7 million. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 8 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including doubled die obverse, repunched mint mark. Across its variants, estimated values range from $9 to $1.5K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $69K in PR69 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by James Earle Fraser.