The 1915 US Nickel, part of the Buffalo Nickel series, was designed by James Earle Fraser to honor Native American heritage. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, its composition reflected the industrial demand for nickel in a growing economy. In 1915, the Panama-Pacific Exposition celebrated the Panama Canal’s opening, symbolizing American progress. The 1915 US Nickel, featuring a Native American and bison, embodied this spirit of expansion and national identity during a period of economic growth.
Politically, Woodrow Wilson maintained US neutrality in World War I, yet economic ties with Europe strengthened. The 1915 US Nickel circulated in a time of industrial growth, with its copper-nickel alloy supporting durability in commerce. Fraser’s design aligned with the era’s romanticized view of the American West. As the US prepared for global challenges, the 1915 US Nickel symbolized both historical reflection and modern economic ambitions, reinforcing its importance in everyday transactions.