America’s Love Affair with the Buffalo Nickel Endures

Washington, DC, June 21, 2001 — The United States Mint today announced the sell–out of the American Buffalo Commemorative Coin Program, with all 500,000 coins sold since sales began on June 7, 2001. All 50,000 of the Limited Edition American Buffalo Commemorative Coin &Currency Sets were sold in just 5 days. “Our Numismatics Division worked very hard to create a product that would be attractive and appealing to collectors, and we’re gratified at this enthusiastic response,” said U.S. Mint Director Jay W. Johnson. The American Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar recreates James Earle Fraser’s famous Buffalo nickel design that circulated from 1913 to 1938. The obverse depicts a profile of a Native American. The reverse features an American Buffalo — an important symbol for many Native Americans. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin is authorized to help fund the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and will help supplement the museum’s endowment and education outreach funds.