Whitman Expo
1921-S Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1921-S is one of the rarest Buffalo nickels in circulated grades and is scarce in uncirculated grades. This stems in large part from the coin’s very small mintage of only 1,557,000 pieces, of which perhaps fewer than 10,000 were saved. Interestingly, while the coin is very difficult in the worn grades, it’s not exceptionally hard to find in uncirculated grades. Strike is generally good, though some examples offer decidedly more detail than others. Overall, the 1921-S Buffalo nickel ranks as a true semi-key issue for the series.
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:
1,557,000
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, 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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