Despite being minted almost a century ago, the iconic Buffalo nickel is still highly sought-after by coin collectors across the world. Noted for its distinctly American design, featuring an Indian head on the obverse and a buffalo atop a hill on the reverse, the 1929-S Buffalo nickel is still extremely popular today amongst collectors of all calibers due to its unique design.
The Great Crash
In 1929, the U.S. Stock Market crashed and launched the United States into the Great Depression. This brought changes to the way people held onto and invested their money, as many Americans found their savings lost to the banks. Due to the downturn, the U.S. Mint would greatly reduce production of coins on the whole, as the U.S. Government was unable to allocate appropriate funds to the U.S. Mint until 1934.
1929-S Buffalo Nickel Value
The 1929-S Buffalo nickel was minted in lower numbers than its counterparts 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 around one dollar and twenty-five cents. However, like many older coins, condition is key to the 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 around fifty-five dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1929
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 7,754,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters