Whitman Expo
1917-S Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1917-S Buffalo nickel is one of the toughest of the early S-mint Buffalo nickels, with fewer than 5,000 known in any grade. Of course, scarcity is usually the case with early mintmarked Buffalo nickels, but this is especially the case with the 1917-S, which is quite difficult to locate in the Gem grades and rare in MS67, with none certified that high by PCGS and only 1 slabbed at the grade by NGC. Examples are generally well struck and many Mint State pieces exhibit frosty luster.
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:
San Francisco
Mintage:
4,193,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
S
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
Feedback:
