Whitman Expo
1915-S Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1915-S Buffalo nickel is extremely scarce in all grades and is particularly challenging in Gem Uncirculated grades. Only 1,505,000 were struck and, of these, an estimated 6,000 pieces survive. Oddly enough the coin is scarcer in the circulated grades than many of its early mintmarked counterparts in the series, yet population figures indicate it is about as scarce in uncirculated grades as any of the other early mintmarked Buffalo nickels.
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:
3109
Coin Date:
1915-S
Denomination:
5c / 5 Cents
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
1,505,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
S
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
