1925 (S) Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $87,400
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66
- Auction house
- Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1925 (S) Buffalo Nickel represents a San Francisco Mint issue from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 6.3 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 14% of production. The obverse features a Native American portrait that James Earle Fraser described as a composite of several chiefs, including Iron Tail (Lakota) and Two Moons (Cheyenne), and the reverse displays an American bison, traditionally identified as Black Diamond of New York's Central Park menagerie, standing on flat ground. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $6 to $1.9K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3956.
External References
Error Varieties(6)
1925-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1925-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1925-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1925-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003 / RPM-003
1925-S Typical Die Clash TDC-5c-1925S-01
1925-S Variety WMDO-001
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
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