Without writing a book here, the Indian Head Nickel, commonly called a buffalo nickel (it is a bison) is made out of .750 copper and .250 nickel. It weighs 5 grams and is 21.2 mm in diameter. Only the Jefferson war nickels with the large mint marks over the dome from 1942-1945 have any silver in them. They are made of 56% copper,35% silver and 9% manganese. Nickel was needed for the war effort. If you don't believe me, go to the mint and ask them. www.usmint.gov