1921 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
$30,800 MS65 08-11-1990 David Akers
Description
The 1921 Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a nickel in the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 10.7 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 87% of 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. The 1921-S is a key date with a mintage of only 1,557,000. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $5 to $391 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 #3947.
External References
Error Varieties(2)
1921 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1921 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
Other Strike Types in This Series
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