-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 18119
Checkout
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel is a noteworthy issue from the Indian Head Nickel series, which was introduced in 1913 and produced until 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel is renowned for its representation of American frontier themes and its distinctive aesthetic. The 1918-S, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is particularly significant due to its historical context and the challenges faced during its production.
The design of the 1918-S Buffalo Nickel features a profile of a Native American chief on the obverse, which is a stylized representation rather than a portrait of any specific individual. Fraser's design aimed to capture the essence of Native American heritage with a dignified and respectful portrayal. The chief's headdress, adorned with feathers, is a central feature, and the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the upper left side of the coin, with the date "1918" located below. On the reverse, the coin depicts an American bison, also known as a buffalo, standing on a small mound. This image is complemented by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the top and "FIVE CENTS" at the bottom, denoting the coin’s denomination.
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which was one of the primary facilities responsible for producing coins during the early 20th century. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1937, was known for its role in producing high-quality coinage, and its facility often minted coins with a distinctive mintmark "S" to indicate their origin. The 1918-S is one of the issues from this period that features this mintmark. The San Francisco Mint faced various challenges during this time, including the impact of World War I, which influenced the coinage and production processes.
The total mintage for the 1918-S Buffalo Nickel was approximately 3,725,000 coins. This relatively low mintage compared to other years in the series contributes to the coin's desirability among collectors. The limited production number reflects the economic and material constraints of the time, as well as the overall demand for this denomination. The lower mintage adds to the coin’s appeal and collectible value, particularly in higher grades.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1918-S Buffalo Nickel exhibits moderate wear on its high points while retaining most of its design details. The profile of the Native American chief remains distinct, though some of the finer features, such as the individual feathers of the headdress, may be slightly softened due to circulation. The word "LIBERTY" and the date "1918" are generally clear, but may show some signs of light wear. On the reverse, the bison retains its overall shape and posture, with the mound of earth and the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS" still legible. The coin’s surface may exhibit light marks or scratches, consistent with its age and circulation history.
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel in Extra Fine condition is a valuable piece for numismatic enthusiasts and collectors. It offers a glimpse into the historical context of early 20th-century American coinage and reflects the craftsmanship of James Earle Fraser’s design. While not as rare as some other issues within the series, the 1918-S Buffalo Nickel remains a sought-after coin due to its historical significance and its distinctive characteristics. Collectors value it not only for its design and production history but also for its contribution to the legacy of American coinage.