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1923-S
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint | San Francisco |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 6,142,000 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | James Earle Fraser |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-1293 |
Collection
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No additional varieties recorded for this strike.
External references
San Francisco struck 6,142,000 Buffalo nickels in 1923, a moderate figure that establishes the 1923-S as a semi-key in the series. The coin is noticeably scarcer than the Philadelphia issue and commands meaningful premiums in higher grades. Strike characteristics are variable, with some dies producing sharp examples and others showing the softer detail typical of San Francisco production in the 1920s.
The 1923-S is best known for its typically weak strikes. Even Mint State examples often show soft obverse portrait detail and incomplete bison hair definition on the reverse, making well-struck pieces particularly valuable to specialists. Full-strike 1923-S nickels in MS64 or better are prized and command premiums over typical strike examples at the same technical grade.
PCGS survival estimates suggest moderate populations in circulated grades and smaller numbers in Mint State. The coin is typically grouped with the 1919-S, 1921-S, and 1924-S as a core Buffalo nickel semi-key. Collectors building complete Buffalo sets acquire the 1923-S as one of several challenging mid-series pieces that require budget planning and careful selection. Heritage Auctions has sold well-struck Gem examples in the $2,000 to $8,000 range over the past decade.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $10 | $11.50 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $12.50 | $14.50 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $25 | $29 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $106 | $122 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $205 | $235 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $325 | $375 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $515 | $595 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $1,010 | $1,070 |
How much is a 1923-S Buffalo Nickel worth?
How many 1923-S Buffalo Nickels were minted?
What is a 1923-S Buffalo Nickel made of?
What is the melt value of a 1923-S Buffalo Nickel?
Is the 1923-S Buffalo Nickel a key date?
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