What is a Shield Nickel? -A Shield Nickel is an American five cent coin minted between 1866 and 1883. The Shield Nickel is made from 75% copper and 25% nickel so this was the first 5-cent coin to be called a nickel. The coin takes it's name from the shield design (representing the United States) that appears on the obverse of the coin.
The Buffalo (or Indian Head) Nickel -The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel or 5 cents was introduced in 1913 replacing the Liberty Head Nickel. It ran from 1913 until 1938. It was made at the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints.