United States · Five Cents · 1913–1938
| Country | United States (United States Mint) |
| Denomination | Five Cents |
| Years struck | 1913–1938 |
| Gross weight | 5 g |
| Composition | 75.0% copper, 25.0% nickel |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Thickness | 1.95 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Designer | James Earle Fraser |
The Buffalo (Indian Head) nickel was struck from 1913 to 1938 in 75% copper, 25% nickel. It has no precious metal content — value is entirely numismatic, driven by date, mint mark, and how much of the date remains readable.
The obverse is a composite portrait of several Native American chiefs; the reverse bison is traditionally identified as Black Diamond of the Central Park Zoo. The date sits on a raised area that wore quickly, so dateless Buffalos are common and cheap.