The Indian and Buffalo iconography, deeply rooted in US history and Americana folk art, symbolize the country’s founding and the untamed wild West. These quintessential figures, a staple of American culture, are immortalized in the Buffalo nickel. Also known as the Indian Head nickel, it was minted from 1913 to 1938. The uncomplicated design of the brave Indian on one side and the mighty buffalo on the other captures the spirit of the American West and the nation’s tribute to indigenous heritage.
The Buffalo Nickel’s Historical Context
The buffalo nickel was created in response to the coinage Renaissance, a campaign to beautify its US-minted coins, consequently replacing the Liberty Head nickel. Unveiled on February 22, 1913, during a time when the United States was going through significant political, economic, and social shifts. The Federal Reserve Act established the central banking system, the Underwood Tariff Act worked to reduce import duties, and the Women’s Suffrage Movement gained momentum. The coin became a welcome badge of nostalgia for the country as it prepared to welcome a new party president, Woodrow Wilson.
Coin Design
Renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser designed the coin, taking inspiration from his experiences growing up near the Great Plains and Native American communities. As a result, Fraser had firsthand exposure to the lives of the Native Americans and the American buffalo and formed a deep respect for them. His experience with the frontier influenced his artwork throughout his life. Early in his career, Fraser received tutoring from prolific sculptors, including Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who designed the American Gold Eagle coin.
Fraser’s deep connection to the West and his considerable talent are reflected in the detailed portrait of the Native American chief displayed on the front of the coin. The portrait was not based merely on one individual but instead drew from several Native American Leaders Fraser encountered, creating a lasting tribute to the original inhabitants of the land.
The back depicts the formidable American bison. Fraiser’s early encounters with buffalo inspired the essence of this noble animal. He recognized similarities between the challenges both the Native Americans and the buffalo faced amid a vanishing frontier. Through his captivating design of the single buffalo, he made a lasting tribute to this iconic wildlife and the challenges they faced.
The Buffalo nickel had a 25-year run, producing over one billion coins. The coins were minted with 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams.
Coin Trivia
- The buffalo nickel was widely accepted with great interest and praise; however, there were some notable criticisms.
- A manufacturer of anti-slug devices used for vending machines objected, stating the new design could cause vending machines to malfunction. Despite this objection, the coin was minted as initially designed.
- Soon after production, the dies were wearing out much faster because the coins had high-relief details. This led to higher production costs.
- While in circulation, the date and “FIVE CENTS” wore away quickly, making many of them unidentifiable. An issue that was never fully resolved.
- The animal on the coin is incorrectly named. While it is commonly referred to as a buffalo, it is actually an American Bison. Consequently, there are no true buffalo in North America. The term “buffalo” occurred when early European explorers to America mistakenly called bison buffalo.
Legacy
Today, the nickel remains a nostalgic, enduring piece among collectors for its beauty and historical context. Its legacy continues throughout pop culture, most notably Andy Warhol’s Cowboys and Indians series (1986). The artwork on the nickel is considered one of the most celebrated American coinages. Many variations are modeled after the Buffalo Head nickel. In 2006, the US minted an American Buffalo gold coin, replicating Fraser’s original design in 24 karat gold. For instance, other private refiners like Asahi and SilverTowne have reproduced Indian Head rounds, a favorite amongst investors.
The Buffalo nickel continues to be cherished for its aesthetic qualities, nationalistic themes, cultural pride, and monetary significance. It is an enduring piece of American identity representing the quest for individual freedoms and the pursuit of happiness.