From 1913 to 1938, the Mint produced the iconic “Buffalo” nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. The obverse showed the bust of a Native American chief, and the reverse depicted an American bison. Jefferson took his place on the obverse of the nickel in 1938 with Monticello, his Virginia home, on the reverse.
What animal was on the first nickel?
When the bison appeared on the Buffalo nickel (1913 to 1938), it was the first animal on a circulating American coin that was not an eagle. This newcomer kept its status as the only non-eagle animal until the 50 State Quarters Program introduced more animals (and more buffalo) in 1999.
What years did they make buffalo nickels?
The Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel is a copper-nickel five-cent piece that was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. As part of a drive to beautify the coinage, five denominations of US coins had received new designs between 1907 and 1909.
Jefferson nickel
| Obverse | |
|---|---|
| Design date | 1938–2004 (left) and 2005 (right). Struck without “FS” initials prior to 1966. |
| Reverse | |
| Design | Monticello |
| Designer | Felix Schlag |
Where did the Buffalo nickel get its name?
The Buffalo nickel was the United States five cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938. Its name comes from the buffalo (i.e. American bison) pictured on the reverse design. 1937-S Buffalo nickel.
Who was the designer of the Jefferson nickel?
The Jefferson nickel was first minted in 1938 and replaced the Buffalo (or Indian Head) nickel that was minted since 1913. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson nickel and was paid $1,000 for winning a design competition amongst 390 different artists.
When was the first nickel made in America?
The initial design of the Shield nickel was struck from 1866 until 1883, then was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel. The Buffalo nickel was introduced in 1913 as part of a drive to increase the beauty of American coinage; in 1938, the Jefferson nickel followed.
When did they change the design of the nickel?
As part of a drive to beautify the coinage, five denominations of US coins had received new designs between 1907 and 1909. In 1911, Taft administration officials decided to replace Charles E. Barber ‘s Liberty Head design for the nickel, and commissioned Fraser to do the work.
