The U.S. 1883 Nickel coin, designed by Charles Barber, features a shield on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. Made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the U.S. 1883 Nickel was introduced to replace the older half dime. Its composition reflected the growing importance of nickel in U.S. coinage.
In 1883, the U.S. 1883 Nickel coincided with a period of industrialization and economic expansion. The coin’s design, with the iconic bison, symbolized the nations Western expansion and strength. The U.S. 1883 Nickel also marked an era of transition, as the U.S. moved toward larger and more durable coins, ushering in a new era of American currency.