NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 3959 Coin Date: 1926-S Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Desg: MS Mint Mark: S Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Mintage: 970,000 Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Buffalo nickel Coinage Years: 1913-1938 Mint Location: San Francisco Diameter: 21.2 Weight (Grams): 5 Weight (Ounces): 0.1608 Designer: James Earle Fraser Edge: Plain Obverse Description: 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 Description: 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. General Notes:
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.
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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. PCGS #: 3959 NGC ID: 22S7
