1930 (S) Buffalo Nickel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$30,550 MS67+ 08-02-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1930 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 5.4 million, this is a less common issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $2 to $148 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 #3970.