Rare 1926-S Buffalo Nickel Sells for $4,200 – Do You Have This Valuable Coin?

1926-S Buffalo Nickel Valued at $4,200: Coin collecting, or numismatics, constitutes a fascinating world where history, artistry, and financial investment collude. Called one of the most hotly coveted coins in U.S. history, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is one true rare coin that has mesmerized collectors for decades. Minted in San Francisco, the coin has been valued at thousands of dollars, making it one of the rarest Buffalo Nickels ever produced. Whether you are a coin collector or just happened to stumble upon an old nickel, check its date and mint mark; it may just be a fortune. The article will discuss the history, valuation, authentication guidelines, and investment potential of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel.

Within the range of $33 for the most heavily worn pieces and upwards of $100,000 for the finest, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel represents an extreme in the numismatic world. Get yours taken to a reputable dealer for grading just in case, as it may be a hidden treasure!

Feature	Details
Mintage	970,000 coins
Composition	75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Diameter	21.2 mm
Weight	5 grams
Designer	James Earle Fraser
Mint Mark Location	Below the denomination on the reverse side
Current Market Value	$33 – $126,500 (depending on condition)
Auction Record	Over $100,000 for high-grade specimens
Best Place for Grading	PCGS, NGC, ANACS
Historical Significance	Lowest-mintage Buffalo Nickel

History of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

Buffalo Nickel series introduced 1913, being designed by the illustrious sculptor James Earle Fraser. The obverse (front) has a portrait of a Native American, and the reverse (back) has an image of an American buffalo (bison) symbolizing the wild spirit of the United States.

Of all the Buffalo Nickels, the 1926-S stood apart with its extremely low mintage of just 970,000 coins, the lowest for the whole series. This was mainly due to the reduced demand and the economic changes of the 1920s.

Over time, many of those nickels were circulated, and so well-preserved specimens today are exceedingly rare and therefore extremely valuable.

What Is the Value of a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel?

The value of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel varies significantly based on the condition. Below is a price guide for various grades:

Grade	Description	Estimated Value (USD)
Good (G-4)	Heavily worn, date barely readable	$33 – $45
Very Good (VG-8)	Moderate wear, design partially visible	$50 – $75
Fine (F-12)	Noticeable wear, major details visible	$78 – $150
Very Fine (VF-20)	Light wear, sharper details	$140 – $300
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	Slight wear, strong details	$549 – $800
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	Minimal wear, traces of mint luster	$976 – $1,500
Mint State (MS-60)	No wear, full luster, some marks	$3,017 – $5,000
Mint State (MS-65)	High-quality strike, very few marks	$77,995 – $90,000
Mint State (MS-66)	Near-perfect, premium condition	$126,500+

These values are merely estimations and can change according to in the coin market and demands.

Why is the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel So Valuable?

The reasons for the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel’s valuation are as follows:

1. Low Mintage (970,000 Coins)
   The lowest mintage Buffalo Nickel was made out of less than one million pieces in 1926 at the San Francisco Mint.
2. Notable Circulation Wear
   Most of these Nickels circulated in trade and saw lots of wear thus making it highly rare to obtain one in consummate condition.
3. Demand from Collectors
   Because of scarcity, well-preserved specimens of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel tend to attract competitive bidding among collectors, driving price upward with particular force for Mint State (MS-65 and higher) coins.
4. Historical and Artistic Importance
   One of the very famous works of art by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel is one of the most recognizable American coins and as such, carries an added dimension to its collectible value.

Authentic 1926-S Buffalo Nickel Identification

Due to a high price, counterfeit versions exist. Here are the ways to identify a real one:

1. Check the Year

• Find the date “1926” on the obverse side of the coin.
• If it is not too badly worn, the date should be sharp and clear (if worn, it will be different).

2. Locate the Mint Mark

• Turn the coin over and look below the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse side.
• If there is a small “S” mint mark, then it is from the San Francisco mint.

3. Check Weight and Size

• It must weigh 5 grams.
• It must be 21.2 mm in diameter.

4. Magnet Test

• Buffalo Nickels are 75% copper and 25% nickel and therefore not magnetic.
• If it sticks to a magnet, it more than likely is fake.

5. Have it Professionally Graded

If you prefer more accurate evaluation, send your coin to one of the following professional grading services:

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
• NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
• ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)

Investment Potential: Is Investing in a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel Profitable?

Being both an investor and a collector, you will find that the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is an outstanding piece to have. Here are the reasons why:

• Steady Price Growth – For a good number of years, well-preserved 1926-S nickels have kept steadily increasing in value.
• Scarcity in High Grades – Premium investments in coins graded MS-65 or better have virtually no parallel.
• Greater Demand – Interest in numismatics is growing, and this coin remains highly demanded among collectors.
• Certified coins purchased from reliable dealers can ensure one’s protection against possible counterfeiting.

Storage and Preservation of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

In order to keep the value, here are a few tips for storage:

• Use a Coin Holder – Store it in either a certified coin slab or an acid-free holder.
• Avoid Handling – Oils from your skin may damage the surface; use cotton gloves while handling it.
• Control Humidity – Store in a dry environment with controlled temperatures.
• Avoid Contact with Chemicals – Cleaning or polishing would devalue it.

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