1936 US "Buffalo" nickel tails mug

This beautiful coin is one of the most sculptural ever minted. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The buffalo is actually an American bison -- possibly Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo. There was a trend at this time to bypass those engravers who were employed by the Mint and commission outside sculptors to design new coins. This resulted in some of the most beautiful coins the US ever produced, but they often had technical issues arising from artists' inexperience of the specific demands of currency. In the original design, the inscription "FIVE CENTS" was on a raised platform and it quickly became obvious it was liable to wear. It was modified in the first year. Over 1.2 billion buffalo nickels were minted between 1913 and 1938. Value 5 cents, composition 75% copper 25% nickel, 5 grams in weight, 21.2 millimeters in diameter. PERMISSIONS: The US Mint specifically allows use of the "buffalo" nickel design.