1930 S Buffalo Nickel

With its modest mintage, the 1930 S nickel should be much more scarce in Mint State than it is. The fact that it is fairly plentiful unworn may be traced to the near total lack of demand for fresh coins during the early years of the Great Depression. Many thousands of 1930 S nickels remained in storage until demand began to pick up in 1934-35, at which time hoarders were waiting to put these rolls away as investments.

Most survivors have good to excellent luster, though they tend to be poorly struck at their centers. Collectors should be very picky in selecting a well struck coin. Lightly worn examples grading XF or AU are also plentiful, as these were taken from circulation to fill the first generation of coin boards 1935-40.

Several repunched mintmark varieties are known for 1930 S nickels, along with a very minor doubled-die obverse.