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1929-S

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 7,754,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1312

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco's 1929 Buffalo nickel mintage was 7,754,000 coins, a moderate figure that places the 1929-S in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is available in circulated grades and accessible in Mint State through specialist channels at moderate premiums. Strike characteristics are variable, with some dies producing sharper detail than others typical of San Francisco production.

Collectors building complete Buffalo nickel sets acquire the 1929-S without extraordinary difficulty. The coin is typical of late-1920s San Francisco Buffalo output. Full-strike Gem examples are prized by specialists and command modest premiums over typical strike pieces.

1929 was the last year of normal pre-Depression production at San Francisco. The Mint's output in 1930 would still be substantial, but by 1931 nickel production would drop to just over a million pieces at San Francisco, and 1932-1933 would see no Buffalo nickel production at any mint. The 1929-S marks the last "normal" year for San Francisco Buffalo production before the Depression-era pattern began.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $1 $1
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $1.50 $1.50
F-12 Fine (F) $2 $2
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $3 $3.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $10 $11.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $19.50 $23
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $45 $52
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $105 $111
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1929-S Buffalo Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $1, rising to roughly $45–$52 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1929-S Buffalo Nickels were minted?
7,754,000 were struck.
What is a 1929-S Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1929-S Buffalo Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1929-S Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.