1921-S 5C (Regular Strike)

Series: Buffalo Five Cents 1913-1938

PCGS MS66

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PCGS MS66

PCGS #:: 3948

Designer:: James Earle Fraser

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 21.20 millimeters

Weight:: 5.00 grams

Mintage:: 1,557,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Auction Record:: $51,750 • MS66 • 11-09-2006 • Bowers & Merena

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1921-S 5C

Die Varieties

1921-S 5C 2 Feathers FS-401 (FS-016.635)

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	8,500	R-3.3	34 / 69	34 / 72
60 or Better	700	R-5.6	8 / 69 TIE	8 / 72 TIE
65 or Better	120	R-7.8	15 / 69 TIE	15 / 72 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	8,500
60 or Better	700
65 or Better	120

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-3.3
60 or Better	R-5.6
65 or Better	R-7.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	34 / 69
60 or Better	8 / 69 TIE
65 or Better	15 / 69 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	34 / 72
60 or Better	8 / 72 TIE
65 or Better	15 / 72 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 2/2014:5057, $19,975
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2007:824, $40,250
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2016:5289, $15,275
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 2/2014:5057, $19,975

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2007:824, $40,250

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2016:5289, $15,275

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

David Hall:

In circulated grades, the 1921-S is one of the rarest coins in the Buffalo nickel series. In Mint State and Gem uncirculated condition it is not quite as relatively rare, but is still very rare. In Gem condition, the rarest dates in the series are the 1918-S, 1919-S, 1920-S, 1923-S, 1924-S, 1925-S, 1926-S, and 1927-S. The 1921-S is the next rarity level as it is not quite as rare as those issues, but is very rare nonetheless. It is comparable in rarity in Gem condition to the 1919-D, 1920-D, 1925-D, 1927-D, and 1928-S. Strike is usually decent for a San Francisco Mint issue, though there are some survivors with weakly struck Buffalo's horn and tail. Luster is usually a subdued frosty look.