1921-S 2 Feathers Nickel MS FS-401 Values

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1921-S 2 Feathers Nickel MS FS-401 Values

Details

The 1921-S is one of the rarest Buffalo nickels in circulated grades and is scarce in uncirculated grades. This stems in large part from the coin’s very small mintage of only 1,557,000 pieces, of which perhaps fewer than 10,000 were saved. Interestingly, while the coin is very difficult in the worn grades, it’s not exceptionally hard to find in uncirculated grades. Strike is generally good, though some examples offer decidedly more detail than others. Overall, the 1921-S Buffalo nickel ranks as a true semi-key issue for the series.

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:

326599

Coin Date:

1921-S

Denomination:

5c / 5 Cents

Designation:

MS

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

San Francisco

Mintage:

1,557,000

Coinage Type:

Buffalo nickel

Coinage Years:

1913-1938

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Mint Mark:

S

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

2 Feathers

Variety 2:

FS-401

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

5 gr

Weight:

0.1608 oz

Strike Type:

Business

Diameter:

21.2 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James Earle Fraser

Obverse Lettering:

LIBERTY, 1921

Obverse Designer:

James Earle Fraser

Reverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS

Reverse Designer:

James Earle Fraser

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