Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 10/8/2007

Question
I have a coin that looks like a buffalo nickle, but it is 3 inches in
diameter.  It was found in North Dakota around Rugby.  the front is the
Indian head with 1913 on it and "LIBERTY" at about 2 o'clock position,
the back is a buffalo and under "FIVE CENTS"  is a small "S", there is
no "trademark" , the top has"UNITED STATES . OF AMERICA"  on it and "E
PLURIBUS UNUM" SMALLER OVER THE BUFFALO'S BACK.
Can you tell me what this is?  Is it an actual coin?  If not who made
it and was it a toy/token?  or what was it for?


Answer
Thea, I assume this is fairly thick and heavy.  This type is more common with cents and Lincoln, but I have heard of nickels too.  Often they have events or towns listed on them and I think were made as souvenirs to sell.  Without a town or event listed, I think these were just novelty pieces, made by who knows who now, to make a profit.

No it is not a coin, and was not made by the U.S. Mint.  It was made privately.

I just saw someone selling what I think you are describing on eBay.  Go to www.ebay.com and do a search for: 270166132224 or large buffalo nickel.  

Jim Lawniczak