Whitman Expo
1921 Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1921 Philadelphia Buffalo nickel is scarce in circulated condition and is especially so across the spectrum of uncirculated pieces. A total of 10,663,000 were struck, but like so many other early Buffalo nickels few were saved by collectors. Among those that were rescued from circulation, not many were saved when they were new. This, of course, leaves relatively few uncirculated survivors. However, for Gem-quality specimens this is among the latest of the scarce Philadelphia-minted issues. There remains a reasonable number of examples grading as high as MS67.
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:
10,663,000
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, 1921
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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