1929 (S) Buffalo Nickel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$36,000 MS67+ 10-10-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series, the 1929 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel from the San Francisco Mint. With a mintage of 7.8 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 15% of total production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, which transitioned from Gold Rush-era production to its modern role producing proof and collector issues. Estimated market value ranges from $2 to $123 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 #3968.