Coin collectors are often on the hunt for U.S. coins produced in the early 20th century, and the 1921-S Buffalo nickel is a prime example. A 1921-S Buffalo nickel is one of the harder dates and mint-marks to find in any condition, which makes it especially precious to coin collectors. It is among the lowest mintages at one and a half million coined, and for comparison the Philadelphia Mint coined almost eleven million Buffalo nickels in 1921.
Economic Changes in the Twenties
In 1921, World War I was formally ended with a treaty signed by Warren G. Harding, which helped lead to an economic boom in the following years. However, during 1921 and 1922, a small recession hit the United States due to fallout from the Spanish Flu in 1918, and farmers were having a difficult time producing crops at the time as well. Small coins, like the nickel, were important for people to have buying power across the country.
1921-S Buffalo Nickel Value
Like most of the San Francisco-stuck Buffalo nickels, the 1921-S Buffalo nickel was minted in lower numbers than other Buffalo nickels of the same year, which increases their value. When looking at coin value, it's important to take the coin’s condition into consideration, as this coin has been around for almost a century. Highly circulated coins go for, on average, around sixty dollars, but stay on the lookout for an uncirculated coin. Uncirculated coins are noted for their absolute lack of wear and tear, clear engravings, and original shine, and an uncirculated 1921-S Buffalo nickel is valued at almost two thousand dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1921
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 1,557,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters