1918-S 5C MS65 Certification #60190013, PCGS #3940

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

David Hall

The 1918-S is scarce in circulated grades, rare in Mint State, and very rare in Gem condition. In fact, in Gem condition it is the rarest regular strike (non-variety) 1913 to 1919 Buffalo nickel. Strike can be an issue and many Mint State survivors show softness of the hair braid and Buffalo's horn and tail. Sharply struck examples are definitely the exception. Luster can be muted or somewhat frosty. In Gem condition this coin is a major rarity.

PCGS #

3940

Designer

James Earle Fraser

Edge

Plain

Diameter

21.20 millimeters

Weight

5.00 grams

Mintage

4882000

Metal

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

1072

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

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.
65 or Better	4500	R-4.1	5 / 69 TIE	5 / 72 TIE
All Grades	700	R-5.6	8 / 69 TIE	8 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	60	R-8.4	8 / 69 TIE	8 / 72 TIE

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.
65 or Better	4500
All Grades	700
60 or Better	60

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.
65 or Better	R-4.1
All Grades	R-5.6
60 or Better	R-8.4

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.
65 or Better	5 / 69 TIE
All Grades	8 / 69 TIE
60 or Better	8 / 69 TIE

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.
65 or Better	5 / 72 TIE
All Grades	8 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	8 / 72 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Gerald R. Forsythe Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
2	MS65+ PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2015:4044, $24,675 - Angel Dee’s Toned Set Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 12/2016:75, $29,375 - D.L. Hansen Collection
2	MS65+ PCGS grade	Stack's/Bowers 8/2016:3047, $23,500
2	MS65+ PCGS grade
2	MS65+ PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Gerald R. Forsythe Collection (PCGS Set Registry)

#2 MS65+ PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2015:4044, $24,675 - Angel Dee’s Toned Set Collection - Legend Rare Coin Auctions 12/2016:75, $29,375 - D.L. Hansen Collection

#2 MS65+ PCGS grade

Stack's/Bowers 8/2016:3047, $23,500

#2 MS65+ PCGS grade