Whitman Expo
1923-S Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1923-S Buffalo nickel is a fairly scarce issue, with a mintage of about 6.1 million. Circulated pieces are tough and, as is the case for many of the 1920s S-mint Buffalo nickels, proves quite rare in Gem grades. Strike can be problematic for this issue and is in part why so few achieve a grade of MS65 or better. In fact, PCGS has graded only 3 in MS66 and certified just 10 at that same level.
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.
Basic Information
GSID:
3123
Coin Date:
1923-S
Denomination:
5c / 5 Cents
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
6,142,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
S
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
