Whitman Expo
1926-S Nickel MS Values
Details
With the exception of varieties, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel is the key date for the series. With a tiny mintage of only 970,000 pieces, the 1926-S nickel proves an extraordinary challenge in all grades, and most especially so above the mid-circulated threshold. Uncirculated specimens at any level are especially rare, and only a couple dozen or so are known in the MS65 range.
The 1926-S Buffalo nickel being so scarce, it is imperative that dealers and collectors take special precautions when handling raw examples. Counterfeits are a concern with any issue, and certainly this is true when discussing rare coins such as this one, which many consider one of the most significant rarities of the 20th century.
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:
970,000
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, 1926
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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