The 1927-S Buffalo nickel is a challenging semi-key issue that becomes increasingly tough the higher one goes up the grading spectrum. Many 1927-S Buffalo nickels exhibit weaker strikes, though a great many do show indications of proof-like fields due to frequent die polishing to mitigate die clash marks and other imperfections. It is a very rare issue in Gem grades, with likely fewer than 50 extant in MS65 or better.
| coinage-type | Buffalo nickel |
| desg | MS |
| designer | James Earle Fraser |
| diameter | 21.2 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 75% copper; 25% nickel |
| mint-mark | S |
| mintage | 3,430,000 |
| ngc-id | 22SA |
| obverse-description | James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust. |
| pcgs-link | 3962 |
| pcgs-number | 3962 |
| reverse-description | A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface. |
| weight-grams | 5 |
| year-display | 1913-1938 |