1925-S Buffalo Nickel. MS-64 (NGC). CAC. OH. A wonderfully original example with moderate to deep toning in reddish-russet adorning both sides. The strike is impressive for the issue with the S mintmark crisp and all other focal features uncommonly bold. One of the most poorly produced issues in this series, the 1925-S is typically encountered with extreme softness of detail in the center of the obverse, over the high points of the bison on the reverse, and/or in the mintmark area on that side. This problem results from two deficiencies in the striking process: wide distance between the dies in the press and the use of worn dies. On many mintmarked 1925 Buffalo nickels that your cataloger (JLA) has seen over the years, in fact, the mintmark is little more than a shapeless blob, making it impossible to attribute the coins as 1925-D or 1925-S. Due primarily to the poor quality of strike, this issue is notoriously difficult to locate in premium quality Choice and Gem Mint State, as here. This will be a significant find for the advanced collector specializing in this popular, yet challenging series. From the Old Time Buffalo Set.
