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History of the Buffalo Nickel
Since the 1990s, Susan has been carefully curating genuine Buffalo Nickels for use in her designs. Minted from 1913 to 1938, explore the rich history behind the coin, its designer, and learn how the iconic American buffalo was saved from the brink of extinction.
A Frontiersman and Sculptor
Born in 1876, James Earle Fraser grew up in the territory of South Dakota, which wasn’t officially a state until 1889. A frontiersman in his own right, Fraser’s early life in the American West shaped his artistic style in obvious ways. As a young adult, he attended art school in Paris and refined his style as a sculptor.
Looking to be a part of a campaign to beautify American coinage, Fraser approached the U.S. Mint with his design, and it entered production in 1913. One side of the coin features the American bison, more commonly known as a buffalo, and the reverse features the right side profile of a Native American. While the coin was a huge hit amongst the American public, it wasn’t quite as popular within the U.S. Mint: the design was prone to excessive wear and was difficult to reproduce. After its minimum 25-year production period expired, it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel.
Saving An Iconic Symbol of the American West
To this day as it was then, the American bison, or buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the American West. Yet during Fraser’s lifetime, the very existence of this celebrated species was at risk.
Prior to the settling of the West, tens of millions of bison ruled the American landscape. Weighing nearly a ton, their populations once spanned from modern-day Canada to Northern Mexico.
All of this changed when overhunting, habitat destruction and government policies against Native American tribes cut the population from over 30 million to just over 1,000 by 1890.
The American Buffalo Today
At Roam Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas, not far from Susan Shaw's headquarters, you can find one example of the modern day stewardship of these majestic animals. Their breeding stock comes from the last remnants of the Southern Plains bison, ensuring strong genetics adapted to Central Texas. The ranch offers immersive experiences including community tours and educational events aimed at deepening connections between consumers, animals, and the land. Roam Ranch blends regenerative agriculture with conservation, wellness, and hospitality, showcasing how thoughtfully managed livestock can restore soil, biodiversity, and rural economies.
Add a piece of American history to your jewelry box with one of our Buffalo Nickel pieces, now available in two reimagined styles that marry modern trends with the wild spirit of the West.
