James Earl Fraser designed the Buffalo Nickel, which made its appearance in 1913.  A handsome Indian commands the obverse while the profile of a buffalo is depicted on the reverse.  The buffalo was modeled after "Black Diamond", the famous former habitant of the New York Zoological Garden in the Bronx, New York.  Through 1913, the reverse design was modified to show the buffalo on a flat ground rather than the original raised ground.  This style was continued through 1938.

 

One of the most famous and rare Buffalo Nickels is the 1918/1917-D overdate.  This occurred when mint personnel punched the numeral 8 on the 1917 date before obliterating the 7 in the 1917.  First identified years after it was struck, this piece is now virtually unobtainable.  The 1926-D is also rare because of the incredibly weak strike characteristic of this date.  In fact, nearly all Denver Mint nickels of that era are known for notoriously weak strikes.

 

In 1937 a dye being used at the same mint became clogged resulting with "Black Diamond" having three legs instead of the anatomically correct four.  This is very famous and extremely valuable.

 

Uncirculated common date Buffalo Nickels are popular and affordable.  Proof coins are scared being minted from 1913-1916 and again in 1936 and 1937.  These were coined in very limited quantities and are elusive.