The Buffalo nickel is a 5-cent coin that was struck by the U.S. Mint between 1913 and 1938 and celebrates the American West with an Indian Head on the obverse of the coin and a bison on the reverse. 

The Buffalo nickel, which is also referred to as the Indian Head 5-cent coin, was designed by James Earle Fraser, according to the U.S. Mint's website. He is represented by an “F” located below the date on the coin’s obverse. 

Approximately 1.2 million original Buffalo nickels were struck. The design was used on the 2001 American Buffalo commemorative coin and continues to be used on the American Buffalo gold bullion coin.

Some believe Buffalo nickels bring good luck to their possessor, the U.S. Mint says.