The U.S. “Buffalo” Nickel was minted between 1913 and 1938. The date was placed on a raised area beneath the image of a native American; the date was usually the first thing to disappear as a Buffalo nickel wore down in people’s pockets, purses and being handled in transactions.
Where is the mint mark on a Buffalo nickel?
The United States mint produced Buffalo Nickels at three different facilities in use three different mint marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). The mint mark on the nickel is located on the reverse of the coin, just below the denomination of “FIVE CENTS.”
Where was the first Buffalo nickel minted?
Over 1.2 billion Buffalo Nickels were minted from 1913 through 1938 at three mints; Philadelphia (no mintmark), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D). The mintmark can be found on the reverse under the denomination, while the designer’s initial “F” is below the date.
How are Buffalo nickels identifiable without the date?
How It’s Identifiable Without the Date Originally the reverse side of the Buffalo nickel had the denomination of “FIVE CENTS” displayed on a mound of dirt beneath the Buffalo. As these nickels began to circulate in their first year of issue, 1913, the United States Mint noticed that the denomination was wearing away prematurely.
Where does the Liberty go on a buffalo nickel?
The inscription LIBERTY appears within the field on the right side of the coin, while the date appears on the truncation of the neck. Beneath the date is a small incused “F”, the designer’s initial. The placement of the date on a raised area of the design caused it to wear heavily in circulation, creating many “dateless” Buffalo Nickels.
What does the s stand for on a buffalo nickel?
The letter “D” indicates the Denver mint facility, and “S” stands for San Francisco. Key date coins are susceptible to unscrupulous people trying to add a mint mark to a common date coin to increase its value. Before spending big dollars on a rare Buffalo nickel, make sure a reputable coin dealer authenticates it.
