Numismatists find the 1919 S Buffalo Nickel to be a unique coin because of its complex design and historical value. The San Francisco Mint minted a significant quantity of these nickels, with their lack of mintage importance relative to their Philadelphia counterpart, making them easily available at lower Mint State levels. However, because of problems with wear and strike quality, it might be difficult to find high-grade examples.
History of 1919 S Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and was minted from 1913 to 1938. The 1919 S Buffalo Nickel, struck at the San Francisco Mint, had a mintage of 7,521,000 coins. This year and mint mark mixture is especially recorded for its generally poor eye appeal, with many coins exhibiting weak strikes and irregular toning due to worn dies.
Specifications
- Year: 1919
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Type: Buffalo Nickel
- Face Value: 0.05 USD
- Mintage: 7,521,000
- Edge: Smooth
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Weight: 5 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
Design
Obverse
The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel’s obverse shows a Native American profile that is considered to be made up of Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree, three distinct chiefs. The word “LIBERTY” has been placed along the right side, while the date “1919” appears to the left. Below the date is the designer’s initial “F” (for Fraser).
Reverse
On the reverse is an image of an American bison, which is also known as a buffalo. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear above the buffalo, and “FIVE CENTS” is written at the bottom. This is the mint mark “S” below the phrase “FIVE CENTS.”
Rarity and Condition
The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is considered rare in its current state. Though there are many examples, very few are actually of gem quality. Weak strikes may lead even Mint State coins to have soft edges and less-than-ideal surfaces. The best samples that are now available have been classified as MS66+ by NGC and MS66 by PCGS; one MS66 specimen sold for a record $109,250 at auction.
Value of 1919 S Buffalo Nickel
The value of a 1919-S Buffalo Nickel varies significantly based on its condition. Here is a general price guide:
Circulated Grades
- Very Fine (VF): $125
- Extremely Fine (EF): $300
- About Uncirculated (AU): $525
Uncirculated Grades
- Mint State 61 (MS61): $900
- Mint State 63 (MS63): $1,750
- Mint State 65 (MS65): $10,000
- Auction Record (MS66): $109,250
In average circulated (AC) condition, the coin is worth around $10.00. In certified mint state (MS+) condition, it can fetch as much as $1,155 at auction.
Errors
Like many coins of its era, the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel can exhibit a variety of minting errors. These can include die cracks, repunched mint marks, and off-center strikes. Such errors can significantly increase the value of the coin, depending on their severity and rarity.
Also Read – 1917 S Buffalo Nickel: A Comprehensive Guide for Coin Enthusiasts
Conclusion
An interesting coin of American numismatic history is the 1919 S Buffalo Nickel. It has to be a desirable coin for collectors, especially those interested in high-grade examples, despite its relatively poor appearance in lower grades. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, understanding the subtleties of this coin can help you understand both its historical and financial value.