-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 18206
Checkout
The Buffalo Nickel 1927 in Almost Uncirculated condition is a stunning representation of one of America’s most enduring coinage designs. Issued during the prosperous Roaring Twenties, the 1927 Buffalo nickel reflects both the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint and the artistic vision of designer James Earle Fraser. Although not a key date in the series, the 1927 issue is still widely collected for its historical context, beautifully rugged imagery, and solid mintage. Finding this coin in a high state of preservation such as Almost Uncirculated (AU) allows collectors to appreciate Fraser’s design with most of the original detail intact, alongside light evidence of its brief time in circulation.
The Buffalo nickel, also referred to as the Indian Head nickel, was introduced in 1913 and remained in production until 1938. Its creation marked a dramatic departure from the neoclassical designs that had dominated U.S. coinage. Fraser, a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, aimed to capture the spirit of the American frontier. He achieved this by showcasing an expressive portrait of a Native American on the obverse and a robust American bison on the reverse. The design quickly became one of the most beloved in U.S. history and remains a favorite among collectors and historians alike due to its artistic boldness and strong national symbolism.
The obverse of the 1927 Buffalo nickel features the right-facing profile of a Native American man. The image was composed from the facial features of multiple real-life Native American individuals, resulting in a design that balances realism with idealism. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed along the upper right edge of the coin, while the date “1927” appears below the neckline. In Almost Uncirculated condition, the portrait remains sharp and lifelike. The cheekbone, brow, jawline, and hair braid are all clearly visible, and the feathers in the headdress retain much of their original texture. Only light rub is present on the highest points of the cheek and hairline, with no major wear across the facial features.
The reverse of the coin depicts an American bison standing on a slightly raised plain. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arc above the buffalo, and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” appears near the bottom. The bison’s image is believed to have been based on Black Diamond, a buffalo housed at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. In Almost Uncirculated condition, the bison’s coat still displays a good amount of definition, particularly across the shoulder, haunches, and back. There is slight wear on the high points such as the horn, front leg, and rump, but the overall impression is one of crispness and strong design integrity. The field remains smooth, and the rims are full, with no merging into the devices.
The 1927 Buffalo nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as indicated by the absence of a mintmark beneath the “FIVE CENTS” inscription on the reverse. The total mintage for this issue was 47,749,000 coins, placing it among the more plentiful dates in the series. Despite its large mintage, the coin’s age and the heavy use most nickels endured during the era make higher-grade survivors much less common today. Circulated examples are abundant, but specimens approaching Mint State, such as those in Almost Uncirculated condition, are sought after for their quality and detail preservation, making them ideal for type sets or date-and-mintmark collections.
Buffalo nickels, including the 1927 issue, are known for their susceptibility to strike weakness and design wear. Common areas of concern include the date, the bison’s front leg and horn, and the hair above the Native American’s brow. However, the 1927 Philadelphia issue generally fares better in strike quality than many of the earlier San Francisco or Denver issues. In AU condition, a well-struck example will exhibit nearly full detail, with only the lightest friction evident on the highest parts of the design. When combined with sharp lettering and intact fields, these examples present a near-Mint State visual experience at a more accessible price point.
In terms of surface quality, an Almost Uncirculated 1927 Buffalo nickel retains much of its original mint luster, particularly in protected areas such as the fields near the date or within the folds of the hair and headdress. The coin should display a soft, satiny sheen that distinguishes it from lower grades. Toning is often present, ranging from pale golden hues to more dramatic shades of amber, gray, or steel-blue. Light contact marks from brief circulation may be present but should be minor and unobtrusive. The overall eye appeal of an AU example is strong, especially when the coin has avoided cleaning or other post-mint alteration.
The historical context of the 1927 Buffalo nickel adds another layer of interest. The late 1920s were marked by economic optimism, technological advancement, and a cultural shift toward modernity. Yet the Buffalo nickel, with its imagery rooted in the natural world and Native American culture, served as a powerful counterpoint to the urbanization of American society. It reminded citizens of the nation’s western heritage and the people and wildlife who inhabited the land long before industrialization. As such, even in 1927, the Buffalo nickel carried a sense of nostalgia and reverence for a fading chapter in American history.
Among collectors today, the 1927 Buffalo nickel in Almost Uncirculated condition offers exceptional value. It combines accessibility with high visual quality, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced collectors seeking strong examples of common-date issues. While not considered a rarity, the coin becomes notably more appealing when preserved in upper circulated grades, where it retains most of its detail and luster. It also offers an opportunity to appreciate Fraser’s design in near-original condition without the cost premium of a certified Mint State example. When properly stored, AU examples will continue to maintain their appeal and value over time.
The Buffalo Nickel 1927 Almost Uncirculated is a vivid artifact of American numismatic artistry and frontier symbolism. Its preserved detail, soft luster, and historical resonance make it a standout piece from a well-loved series. Whether added to a comprehensive date-and-mintmark set or featured in a type collection focused on early 20th-century coinage, the 1927 Buffalo nickel in AU condition delivers aesthetic beauty, tactile history, and collectible integrity. Its design endures not just as a product of artistic excellence but as a tribute to a people and era that helped shape the American identity.