Buffalo Nickel Design 1 oz .999 Fine Silver Round
Coin/Bullion (Silver Round) · Private Mint (Commonly produced by Silver Towne, Golden State Mint, or Sunshine Minting)
Pattern: Buffalo / Indian Head Heritage Series (based on James Earle Fraser's 1913 design)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Silver Round)
Maker
Private Mint (Commonly produced by Silver Towne, Golden State Mint, or Sunshine Minting)
Material
.999 Fine Silver, 1 Troy Ounce total weight
Dimensions
Diameter: 39mm; Thickness: 2.8mm; Weight: 31.1 grams (1 Troy Ounce)
Description
A high-purity silver bullion round featuring a faithful reproduction of the iconic Indian Head nickel. The obverse displays the composite profile of a Native American chieftain, while the background features a modern radial sunburst pattern to deter counterfeiting. This is a non-monetary silver asset used primarily by investors and stackers of physical precious metals.
Key Features
Radial background lines for security; Fraser's 1913 portrait; .999 purity stamp (on reverse); consistent 39mm planchet size
Material & Composition
.999 Fine Silver, 1 Troy Ounce total weight
Finish & Decoration
Satin frosted relief with radial lines background; sculpted Native American profile (Obverse), LIBERTY inscription
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on reverse with '1 TROY OZ .999 FINE SILVER'; may include private mint hallmark
Construction Details
Modern die-struck bullion; machine-pressed with significant pressure to create crisp relief
Functional Features
Investment vehicle; liquid silver asset; reeded edge to prevent shaving of metal
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge design for tactile grip and security; no traditional handles
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking; crisp legends and hair texture; uniformity in edge reeding and weight calibration
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck precision (not cast); correct diameter/thickness ratio; radial line consistency; distinct reeding
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Private Minting Facility); modern industrial coinage standards
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (Late 20th - 21st Century); Contemporary homage to the 1913-1938 Nickel design
Age Estimate
Contemporary; produced within the last 10-20 years based on radial background lines
Cultural Significance
Represents the American push for bullion investment following the de-monetization of silver in 1964; honors early 20th-century U.S. numismatic art.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; shows minor surface contact marks and light toning consistent with handle-free storage in a coin shop environment
Value Estimate
Spot price of silver plus a small premium ($2.00 - $5.00 USD above market silver price)
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free airtight capsules; avoid finger contact to prevent oils from causing spots; do not polish as it lowers collectible eye appeal
Similar Pieces
US Mint American Gold Buffalo (monetary), Silver Towne Buffalo Rounds (different background), Golden State Mint Buffalos
Interesting Facts
The model for the portrait was a composite of three chiefs: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree. Unlike the original nickel, this round contains no nickel or copper base.