The 1919-S editions of the Buffalo Nickel are considered especially elusive. With a mintage of almost eight million coins, this is a rare and exciting coin for any collector to find. The 1919-S Buffalo nickel features the iconic Buffalo reverse, as well as the Indian Head obverse, and is marked by the small S mint mark at the bottom.
Origins of the Buffalo Head Nickel Design
While Americans know them colloquially as buffalo, the mighty creature on the reverse of the nickel is actually an American Bison. Sculptor James Earle Fraser stated that the buffalo on the reverse of the Buffalo Nickel was inspired by Black Diamond, an American Bison at the Bronx Zoo. Historians have disputed this, however, since there was no American Bison at the Bronx Zoo, and Black Diamond was housed at the Central Park Zoo. Black Diamond also had significantly different horns than the buffalo represented on the reverse of the Buffalo nickel.
1919-S Buffalo Nickel Values
The 1919-S Buffalo nickel was minted in smaller numbers at the historic San Francisco mint. Because of this, and the rarity of a Buffalo nickel in great condition, this is a highly collectible coin with an average value of nine dollars. Condition is key to any older coin’s value - look for clear, distinct engravings and signs of wear to determine a coin’s grade. A mint condition, uncirculated coin is valued at seven-hundred dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1919
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 7,521,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters