Limited Mintage of 5,000 • NGC MS70 Antiqued
Coming To Life Buffalo Nickel
James Earle Fraser’s legendary 1913 Buffalo Nickel reimagined in 5 oz of .999 fine silver with breathtaking Beyond Relief sculptural depth. Sculpted by former US Mint artist Michael Gaudioso.
Explore This CoinNGC MS70 Antiqued — Advance Releases
Each coin is certified perfect MS70 by NGC with Gaudioso-signed X-Mint Coming To Life label
See It Come To Life
Watch the sculptural depth and detail of this extraordinary coin
The Obverse — A Portrait Reborn
James Earle Fraser’s iconic Native American portrait, first introduced on the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, is sculpted with dramatic three-dimensional depth. The powerful profile—inspired by several Native American chiefs—reveals intricate braids, feathers, and facial details that seem to emerge from the silver itself.
The Beyond Relief technology allows the design to extend 33 mm from the surface while preserving every fine detail—far beyond what traditional High Relief or Ultra-High Relief techniques can achieve.
The Reverse — The Buffalo Stands
The American bison stands atop a mound, enhanced by a textured field inspired by a passing stampede. The massive animal is rendered with striking dimensional detail, giving the impression that the bison rises from the surface of the coin.
Inscribed “Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation” and “Five Cents,” the reverse pays tribute to both the original denomination and the Native American heritage that inspired Fraser’s masterwork.
Sculptural Depth & Premium Packaging
A coin that doubles as a work of art, presented on its own display stand
Beyond Relief Technology
Where traditional minting ends, Beyond Relief begins
Beyond Traditional Limits
Conventional minting methods proved insufficient to capture the intricacy of this sculpture. The Xceptional Mint developed Beyond Relief technology to extend designs dramatically from the surface while preserving sharp detail and structural integrity.
33mm Depth
The Coming To Life series achieves a depth of relief rarely seen in modern minting. Each detail—from individual feathers to the texture of the bison’s hide—is rendered with lifelike precision at a scale that must be seen to be believed.
Antiqued Finish
The antiqued finish gives the .999 fine silver a subtle aged appearance, settling into the recesses to reveal more sculptural detail and lending the coin a timeless character that echoes the original 1913 design.
About the Artist — Michael Gaudioso
Michael Gaudioso is one of the most respected sculptors and medallic artists in modern numismatics. During his tenure at the United States Mint from 2008 to 2020, he sculpted more than 35 coins and medals, including the reverse of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle. Each Coming To Life coin carries his hand-signed NGC label—a mark of the artistry behind the piece.
Coin Specifications
5 oz of .999 fine silver, certified perfect by NGC
| Year of Issue | 2026 |
| Denomination | $0.05 (Buffalo Nickel) |
| Composition | .999 Fine Silver |
| Weight | 5 Troy Oz (155.517 g) |
| Diameter | 60 mm |
| Strike Type | Beyond Relief |
| Finish | Antiqued |
| Certification | NGC MS70 |
| Pedigree | Advance Releases |
| Label | Gaudioso Signed X-Mint Coming To Life |
| Mintage | 5,000 |
| Mint | Xceptional Mint |
Why This Coin Stands Apart
Worldwide Mintage
With only 5,000 pieces minted, the Coming To Life Buffalo Nickel is among the most exclusive silver releases of 2026.
Pure .999 Silver
Over 155 grams of .999 fine silver with the weight and presence to match its sculptural ambition.
Perfect Grade
Every coin is NGC-certified MS70—the highest possible grade—with the Advance Releases pedigree and Gaudioso-signed label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coming To Life series?
The Coming To Life Collection reimagines classic coin designs through dramatic sculptural depth. Produced by Xceptional Mint, each release pairs leading numismatic artists with innovative Beyond Relief technology to bring historic designs into vivid three-dimensional form.
What is Beyond Relief technology?
Beyond Relief is an advanced minting process developed by Xceptional Mint that goes beyond traditional High Relief and Ultra-High Relief techniques. It allows the design to extend dramatically from the surface—up to 33 mm deep—while preserving sharp detail and structural integrity that conventional methods cannot achieve.
Who is Michael Gaudioso?
Michael Gaudioso is a renowned sculptor and medallic artist who served at the United States Mint from 2008 to 2020, where he sculpted more than 35 coins and medals including the reverse of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle. He sculpted this Coming To Life Buffalo Nickel and hand-signs each NGC label.
What does NGC MS70 Antiqued mean?
NGC MS70 is the highest possible grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Company, indicating a coin in perfect condition with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The “Antiqued” designation refers to the intentional aged finish applied to the silver, which enhances the sculptural detail by settling into the coin’s recesses.
How can I purchase this coin?
Elite Coin Group carries the Coming To Life Buffalo Nickel. Visit our Just Arrived page to see current availability, or contact us to reserve yours.
Own a Piece of Numismatic Art
With a mintage of just 5,000 worldwide, the Coming To Life Buffalo Nickel won’t last. Contact Elite Coin Group to secure yours.