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The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is an important and historically significant coin in the United States numismatic series. Minted in San Francisco during the final years of the Buffalo Nickel series, it represents a key moment in American coinage history. The Buffalo Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser and first minted in 1913, capturing the essence of the American West with its iconic depiction of a Native American and a bison. The 1921-S coin is part of a series that was issued during a period of change and modernization within the U.S. Mint, following the tumultuous years of World War I. By the time the 1921-S was struck, the country was entering a new decade, with economic challenges looming but a steady demand for smaller denominations of currency for everyday transactions. The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel, with its distinctive mintmark, serves as a valuable reflection of this era of American history.
The design of the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the most recognizable in American coinage. The obverse of the coin features a profile of a Native American, representing a composite of several prominent Native American leaders. This portrayal was designed by James Earle Fraser, who sought to capture the strength, dignity, and heritage of Native American culture. Surrounding the figure of the Native American are the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and the mintmark “S,” indicating that the coin was minted in San Francisco. The reverse of the coin depicts an American bison, also known as a buffalo, standing on a mound of dirt. The bison was chosen as a symbol of the American West and its connection to the nation's pioneering spirit. The reverse also includes the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and the denomination "FIVE CENTS." The design's simplicity and boldness make it a lasting symbol of American identity.
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which was the standard for most U.S. coins during the early 20th century. The coin weighs 5 grams and has a diameter of 21.2 millimeters, making it a medium-sized coin, comfortable for handling in everyday transactions. The 1921-S is part of the series of Buffalo Nickels minted between 1913 and 1938, which were primarily used for nickel payments and small transactions. The Buffalo Nickel design quickly became iconic, capturing the nation's sense of nostalgia for the American frontier and its romanticized view of Native American and western heritage. However, by the time the 1921-S was minted, the coin was facing design challenges, as the raised relief of the bison and Native American figures made the coin prone to wear, leading to frequent difficulties in striking. Despite these challenges, the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel remains a highly regarded and collectible piece in the series.
The minting of the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel took place at the San Francisco Mint, one of the key mints in the U.S. Mint system. The San Francisco Mint, known for its production of coins for the western United States, was integral to the nation’s coin production during the early 20th century. While minting figures for specific years of Buffalo Nickels are not always available, the 1921-S is considered to be one of the rarer coins in the series. The mintage of the 1921-S was relatively low, with only around 1.5 million coins being struck. This small mintage, combined with the challenges associated with the coin’s design, led to the 1921-S becoming more difficult to find in high grades. The rarity of the coin, along with its historical significance, has contributed to its lasting appeal among collectors of U.S. coins.
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel in XF (Extremely Fine) Details is a piece that exhibits significant wear but retains much of its overall design. Coins in this condition typically show moderate wear on the high points of the design, such as the bison’s back and the Native American’s features. However, the details of the coin are still discernible, and the inscriptions remain legible. The XF Details grade reflects a coin that has been used in circulation but has not been excessively worn or damaged. In the case of this specific coin, the term “Details” indicates that while the coin is classified as XF, it may have some additional imperfections, such as scratches, nicks, or signs of cleaning. These details do not detract from the coin’s overall historical value but may affect its market price and collector demand. Coins in XF condition are generally more affordable than higher-grade examples but still carry significant numismatic value due to their age and relative rarity.
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel, even in its XF Details condition, is highly prized by collectors due to its historical significance and the rarity of the coin in any grade. The Buffalo Nickel series as a whole has become one of the most beloved U.S. coin designs, and the 1921-S is a key date in this series. Collectors of the series seek out examples from each year, with particular interest in the rarer and more difficult-to-find coins such as the 1921-S. As a key date in the Buffalo Nickel series, the 1921-S is often included in specialized collections and is considered a “must-have” coin for serious numismatists. The XF Details grade ensures that collectors can own a representative piece of this iconic coinage while still maintaining access to a coin with historical significance.
The coin’s condition, marked by its moderate wear and “Details” grade, places it in an affordable range for many collectors who might not be able to acquire higher-grade specimens. While a higher-grade 1921-S Buffalo Nickel, such as one in MS (Mint State) or AU (About Uncirculated) condition, can command higher prices, the XF Details example offers a balanced approach for those interested in owning a piece of U.S. numismatic history without breaking the bank. The rarity and demand for coins like the 1921-S in any condition contribute to its value as both a historical artifact and a collector’s item.
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is not just a piece of currency; it is a window into America’s past, symbolizing a time when the nation was transitioning from its frontier roots to the more industrialized world of the 20th century. The coin’s design speaks to the country’s deep ties to its Native American heritage and the mythical, wild spirit of the American West. It embodies the ideals of strength, independence, and perseverance. For collectors, the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is a piece of this rich history, offering a tangible connection to the American story. With its low mintage, distinctive design, and historical significance, the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel remains one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics.