Lot 035Coin values

1924-S Buffalo Nickel

Q: How much is a 1924-S Buffalo Nickel worth?

Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $13–$340 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $57,000–$83,000 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.

SAN FRANCISCO (S) · 75% COPPER, 25% NICKEL · 1,437,000 STRUCK

The answer

Worth about $13⁠–⁠$340 circulated and $57,000⁠–⁠$83,000 in MS-65.

The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is a key date from the San Francisco Mint, with 1,437,000 pieces struck. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $13⁠–⁠$340, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $57,000⁠–⁠$83,000. Because this is a key date, condition and authenticity matter far more than metal content: have any high-value coin graded by a recognised service.

1924-SSan Francisco (S)

Catalogue medallion. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of this exact date and mint, so none is shown rather than one with a different date.

Buffalo nickel obverse: Native American portrait facing right — Design reference 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel, National Numismatic Collection and 1913 Type 2 (flat line) Buffalo nickel, National Numismatic Collection. The date on this photograph is not this issue's date. Public domain, credit US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash), via Wikimedia Commons.

Buffalo nickel Type 2 reverse: bison standing on a flat ground line — Design reference 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel, National Numismatic Collection and 1913 Type 2 (flat line) Buffalo nickel, National Numismatic Collection. The date on this photograph is not this issue's date. Public domain, credit US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash), via Wikimedia Commons.

Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Mintage: 1,437,000
Weight and size: 5 g · 21.2 mm
Designer: James Earle Fraser

RarityKey date

PlentifulRare

Scarcer than 95% of the 64 issues in the Buffalo series with a recorded mintage. 1,437,000 struck. Mintage is the number struck, not the number that survive.

Grade & value

Circulated$13–$340

Melt, live$0.07

Estimated value by grade for the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel. Lustre editorial estimate, Oct 2026.
Grade	Estimate
G-4Good	$13–$15
VG-8Very Good	$18–$22
F-12Fine	$32–$38
VF-20Very Fine	$65–$75
EF-40Extremely Fine	$260–$340
AU-50About Uncirculated	$520–$680
AU-58Choice About Uncirculated	$980–$1,400
MS-60Mint State 60	$2,450–$3,550
MS-63Choice Mint State	$7,000–$10,000
MS-65Gem Mint State	$57,000–$83,000

Melt value (copper)$0.07

75% copper, 25% nickel at spot prices. Reference prices, not live

Scan your coin

Estimates. Grade values are Lustre editorial estimate, Oct 2026, based on spot prices near $61 per ounce for silver. They are not market data, an appraisal or an offer. Rows marked at melt follow the metal price.

Value ladder

Varieties to look for

Date and mint mark

The date sits on a raised area and wears away first. Dateless coins sell for a few dollars, and the mint mark is on the reverse below FIVE CENTS.

Type 1 and Type 2

In 1913 the reverse changed from a raised mound (Type 1) to a flat line (Type 2). 1913-S Type 2 is a key date.

Strike and cleaning

Weak strikes are common, especially for Denver and San Francisco issues. Many Buffalo nickels have been cleaned or had their dates restored.

Questions

About the 1924-S Buffalo

How much is a 1924-S Buffalo Nickel worth?

Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $13⁠–⁠$340 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $57,000⁠–⁠$83,000 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.

What is a 1924-S Buffalo Nickel made of?

It is 75% copper, 25% nickel and weighs 5 g. At today's metal prices the metal is worth a few cents, so any value comes from collector demand.

How many 1924-S Buffalo Nickels were minted?

1,437,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint.

Where is the mint mark on a Buffalo Nickel?

On the reverse, below the words FIVE CENTS. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.

Is my 1924-S Buffalo Nickel rare?

Yes. It is a key date. Check the variety notes on this page, look at the date and mint mark under magnification and consider professional grading before selling.

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