1931 (S) Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$63,250 MS67 09-01-2008 Bowers & Merena
Description
The 1931 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel from the San Francisco Mint, belonging to the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 1.2 million, this is a scarce issue. 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. Estimated market value ranges from $21 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 #3971.
External References
Error Varieties(10)
1931-S Atypical Die Clash ADC-5C-1931S-01
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1931-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004
1931-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1931-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001
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