1923-S 5C Buffalo Nickel NGC MS63- Trader Bea Label

Coin Highlights

• Issuer: United States of America

• Date: 1923

• Mint: San Francisco (S)

• Denomination: Five Cents (Nickel)

• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

• Weight: 5.00 g

• Diameter: 21.2 mm

• Grade: NGC MS63 (Choice Uncirculated)

• Holder: Trader Bea Label presentation

• Obverse Design: Native American profile right, designed by James Earle Fraser.

• Reverse Design: American bison standing on flat ground (Type 2 reverse).

• Edge: Plain

Historical Significance

• The Buffalo Nickel series (1913–1938) is one of the most iconic American coin designs, symbolizing national heritage.

• The 1923-S issue is particularly notable because nearly all coins struck at San Francisco that year were weakly struck and entered heavy circulation.

• As a result, fully struck, mint state survivors are rare and highly prized by Buffalo Nickel specialists.

Mintage & Rarity

• Mintage: 6,142,000 coins (San Francisco Mint).

• While not the lowest mintage of the series, the scarcity comes from poor striking quality and extensive circulation.

• MS63 examples are difficult to find with strong detail, and higher grades (MS64–MS65) are extremely rare.