U.S. Mint coin reference
Buffalo nickels are popular because of their bold Native American portrait and bison reverse. Collectors watch the date area carefully because worn dates are common, and key issues such as 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D, 1937-D three-legged, and many two-feather varieties are heavily studied.
Reference photos: Wikimedia Commons / public coin image sources.
Years made: 1913-1938
Denomination: Five cents
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 5.00 g
Diameter: 21.2 mm
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Krause number: KM# 134
Start with the date, mint mark, weight, and basic design type. Then compare the coin to trusted reference photos before assuming a variety or error. Many apparent doubled letters are machine doubling or strike damage, so the goal is to confirm die markers.
Check high points first, then fields, rims, and color. Original surfaces generally matter more than brightness. Cleaned or polished coins can look shiny but may be less desirable to advanced collectors.
Use price guides only as a starting point. Real value depends on grade, eye appeal, problem-free surfaces, certification, and recent sales for the exact date and variety.
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LoneStar Coin Guide adds original collector notes and uses outside references only as supporting research links.