Whitman Expo
1925-S Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1925-S Buffalo nickel is a relatively tough coin in circulated grades and is quite scarce in uncirculated and especially Gem levels. With its mintage of 6,256,000, the 1925-S nickel is a better-date coin by every definition, and serves as a conditional key date. Unfortunately, many examples exhibit softer strike, making it difficult to find exceptional pieces, even for those who do have the money to lay out on a Gem specimen. A few dozen are known in Gem grades, and just a tiny handful in MS66.
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:
6,256,000
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, 1925
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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