| Today, there are more and more people who are | | | | An authentic Silver Buffalo dollar features an |
| going into coin collecting, whether for the purpose | | | | inscription "In God We Trust" along the upper |
| of serious trading or just fun collecting. These | | | | portion of the coin and above the buffalo's back. |
| coins can either be authentic or commemorative. | | | | The inscription "E Plubribus Unum" can be found |
| One of these many beautiful commemorative | | | | under the buffalo's head. Replicas do not. |
| coins is the Silver Buffalo. | | | | Official Denomination |
| During the year 2001, the buffalo was revived in | | | | A "One Dollar" official denomination of an authentic |
| the public release of the special one-dollar, 90% | | | | Silver Buffalo dollar can be found below the |
| pure silver commemorative coin of America's | | | | buffalo. On the other hand, replicas have "Giant |
| most loved and widely collected Buffalo nickel. | | | | Buffalo Proof" inscribed. |
| The original and much celebrated Buffalo nickel | | | | P & F |
| was designed by James Earle Fraser, and was | | | | There is a mint mark that can be found below |
| minted during the year 1913 to 1938. For its | | | | the denomination, a (P) that indicates where the |
| design, three different American Indians posed as | | | | coin was minted (Philadelphia) and "F", that |
| models. They are Chief Iron Tail, Chief Big Tree, | | | | represents the artist of the coin, James Earle |
| and Chief Two Moons. For the buffalo design, an | | | | Fraser. Again, replicas do not. |
| actual buffalo from the New York's Central Park | | | | Mintage Year |
| Zoo was used as a model. | | | | The year "2001" is located on the Native |
| To retain this classic design that reflected the | | | | American or front side of the Silver Buffalo Dollar, |
| culture of Native Americans, the commemorative | | | | while the replica has the mintage year found |
| Silver Buffalo dollar depicted a remarkable | | | | below the buffalo on the reverse side. |
| American Indian profile on the front and an | | | | These are just some of the tell-tale signs of |
| American buffalo on the back. | | | | counterfeits. Other general options would be to |
| Because the Silver Buffalo is very sought after | | | | compare specifications of a fake and real coin. |
| by the public, there are many counterfeiters who | | | | Weight it, note down its size in diameter, and |
| make fake ones and pass it off as the real thing, | | | | analyze its surface and appearance. You can also |
| selling it at high prices. You should be aware of | | | | subject it to the magnet test. If the coin is not |
| the many replicas of the commemorative Silver | | | | attracted to the magnet, then it is real. But if it |
| Buffalo dollar out there that are for sale. These | | | | does, it is most likely a fake. Remember, the coin |
| replicas are not endorsed and minted by the U.S. | | | | is silver, and not steel. It should not be attracted |
| Mint. You can certainly steer away from these by | | | | to the magnet. |
| keeping in mind the numerous differences | | | | Overall, before buying any coin, you should really |
| between an authentic and fake coin. | | | | look into its authenticity so you can be assured |
| Inscription | | | | that you are getting your money's worth. |