Whitman Expo
1917 Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1917 Buffalo nickel is a fairly typical Philadelphia issue from its era, and most of these are pretty well struck. A total of 51,424,019 were struck and there are about 10,000 or so known survivors, with plenty available in circulated grades. There is a decent supply in Gem, and a few dozen in the MS67 range, which is where many registry set collectors focus their sights. PCGS and NGC have slabbed a collective handful in MS68, though these scarcely enter the public trading arena.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
51,424,019
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1917
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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