-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 18130
Checkout
The Buffalo Nickel 1924 in Extra Fine condition represents a fascinating chapter in early 20th-century American coinage, reflecting both the artistry of its design and the spirit of a nation in transition. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1924 Buffalo nickel continued a series that began in 1913 and remained in production until 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo nickel was celebrated for its bold departure from classical motifs and its embrace of imagery that honored Native American heritage and the American frontier. The 1924 issue, while not among the rarest dates in the series, is still treasured for its historical context, relatively modest survival rate in higher grades, and its powerful, sculptural design.
James Earle Fraser, a sculptor trained under the legendary Augustus Saint-Gaudens, brought personal experience and vision to the Buffalo nickel. Drawing upon his childhood memories of the American West, Fraser created a coin that embodied national pride and cultural authenticity. The obverse of the coin features the profile of a Native American warrior, a composite of three real individuals, each of whom symbolized dignity and strength. The reverse portrays a bison—commonly believed to have been modeled after Black Diamond, a buffalo from the Central Park Zoo—standing atop a naturalistic mound. This design quickly became one of the most admired and iconic in U.S. coinage history.
The obverse of the 1924 Buffalo nickel presents a striking right-facing portrait of a Native American, wearing a feathered headdress with braided hair falling behind the neckline. The word “LIBERTY” curves along the upper right edge of the coin, and the date “1924” is boldly displayed below the bust. In Extra Fine condition, much of the detail in the facial features remains clear. The jawline, cheekbone, and nose are well-defined, and the eye, mouth, and braided hair still retain texture. The feathers in the headdress show minor smoothing at the tips, but the lines remain visible, and the headband is outlined clearly. The rim is strong, with the date and lettering fully legible and unmarred by heavy circulation wear.
The reverse features the iconic American bison facing left, standing on a raised mound. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs along the top, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just below. At the bottom, “FIVE CENTS” is boldly struck into the mound, typical of earlier issues in the series. In Extra Fine condition, the bison remains well-outlined, with muscle definition visible on the shoulder, back, and legs. Some high points—such as the hump, horn, and front leg—may show modest wear, but overall detail remains attractive and recognizable. The ground line on which the bison stands is still distinct, and the lettering is strong, with full rims and no blending of design into the field.
The 1924 Buffalo nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and as such, it carries no mintmark. The total mintage for the year was 21,620,000 coins, a respectable number, though significantly less than the output from peak mintage years like 1936 or 1937. Despite this, many 1924 nickels entered widespread circulation and experienced extensive use, leading to a relatively limited number of surviving examples in high-grade condition today. Collectors place a premium on Extra Fine specimens, which offer a pleasing combination of surviving design detail and affordability compared to uncirculated counterparts.
Buffalo nickels are notorious for uneven striking, particularly on the high-relief areas of the coin. Weak strikes are especially evident on the bison’s front leg and horn on the reverse and on the facial contours of the Native American portrait on the obverse. Philadelphia-minted 1924 nickels generally offer better strike quality than their San Francisco counterparts, though variations still occur. In Extra Fine examples, this means that even if minor wear is present, the coin must still exhibit good definition across the central features. For collectors seeking quality, coins that maintain sharp lines in both the portrait and the bison are especially desirable.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1924 Buffalo nickel demonstrates moderate wear across the high points, but much of the original detail remains. On the obverse, the headband and the word “LIBERTY” are typically complete and clearly legible. The braid is present with visible separation between strands, and the overall shape and facial expression of the portrait are preserved. On the reverse, the bison’s outline is strong, with the tail, back legs, and shoulder retaining their structure. The fur texture, while slightly worn, can still be seen in several areas. The mound beneath the bison is well formed, and the “FIVE CENTS” inscription is sharp and full. These characteristics give the coin strong eye appeal and reflect its long but well-preserved journey through circulation.
Coloration on an Extra Fine 1924 Buffalo nickel often includes natural toning, ranging from silver-gray and golden tan to warmer brown hues, depending on how the coin was stored over time. Many examples exhibit attractive, original surfaces with even wear and no signs of cleaning or harsh environmental damage. While light abrasions or minor contact marks are acceptable in this grade, coins with original patina and unaltered surfaces are more desirable to collectors. Eye appeal plays a large role in the valuation of Buffalo nickels, and an XF 1924 with smooth, problem-free surfaces can command strong interest.
The 1924 Buffalo nickel circulated during a pivotal period in American history. The nation was recovering from the First World War and entering a decade of economic optimism and cultural transformation. As automobiles, radios, and cinema transformed daily life, coins like the Buffalo nickel served as everyday reminders of a rugged American past. The image of the Native American and the bison, both deeply rooted in North American history, became powerful national symbols during a time when industrialization and modernization were moving at a breakneck pace. The coin thus serves as both a work of art and a historical artifact, connecting collectors to the broader narrative of American progress and heritage.
The Buffalo Nickel 1924 Extra Fine is a cherished collectible for its blend of artistry, history, and preservation. Though not a key date, its relative scarcity in higher circulated grades, combined with the enduring beauty of Fraser’s design, ensures lasting appeal. For collectors building a circulated set of Buffalo nickels, the 1924 XF offers a satisfying balance of detail and character. It reflects the rugged utility for which it was made, while still preserving enough of its original artistry to stand as a tribute to one of the most beloved coin series in American history. With its bold imagery and historical resonance, the 1924 Buffalo nickel in Extra Fine condition remains a staple in classic U.S. coin collections.