1927 Buffalo Nickel - Special Strike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$78,000 SP65 11-24-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1927 Buffalo Nickel - Special Strike is a special strike nickel struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of only 5, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca), while the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Designed by James Earle Fraser. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3987. James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel is an iconic celebration of the American West, featuring a composite Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. The 1913-S Type II, 1918/7-D overdate, 1926-S, and the legendary 1937-D "Three-Legged Buffalo" (a dramatic die-polishing error) are highlights.