Lot 574
1915 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 66. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. Pop 100; 45 in 67; 1 in 68. A high degree of matte luster spins smoothly on the satin, deep wonderfully toned surfaces of this pristine and elusive gem. The strike is 100% crisp in all areas, with incredible detail in the buffal's shaggy hide, head, horn, and split tail.
James Earle Fraser had made numerous studies of Native Americans before undertaking the task of creating an Indian head for the nickel. The obverse portrays a mature warrior facing right. His hair is braided in the style of the plains Indians with a ribbon securing the braid. Two feathers are affixed near the part of the hair, and a third one is only partly visible. The garment across his shoulder provides a foundation for the coin's date, and Fraser's initial letter 'F' appears below the date. On both the original model and the struck coin, the subject appears to be in a contemplative state with eyes half closed. (For a detailed account of this fascinating coin, see David W. Lange's The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels. (PCGS # 3992) .
Estimated Value $3,200 - 3,400.
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