1921-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (PCGS).A beautifully toned specimen with gold, ice blue and lilac intermingling on both sides to dramatic effect. The fields showcase satiny luster and a more frosty texture is present on the devices. The strike is unusually bold for this issue and only isolated areas of softness are noted. Among the finest examples of this issue, this is a nickel for the true connoisseur of the series. The 1921-S is one of the most challenging issues of its type to locate in high grades and with strong aesthetic appeal. For starters this is a scarce issue due to a mintage of 1,557,000 pieces and a high rate of attrition suffered through circulation. Indeed, most survivors are well worn and grade no finer than VG. Perhaps surprisingly, low end Mint State examples are more available than those in EF and AU grades, but the former are usually poorly struck with other unappealing attributes such as planchet laminations, toning streaks and/or heavy flowlines. All of these attributes point to the use of worn dies and otherwise poor workmanship on the part of San Francisco Mint personnel. Interested parties are urged to bid strongly as the opportunity to acquire a superior quality Gem 1921-S nickel usually comes along only once in a long while.
