$20.00
The 1931-S Buffalo Nickel is considered one of the key dates in the entire Buffalo Nickel series (1913-1938).
| Term | Meaning | Impact on Value |
| 1931-S | Key date, San Francisco Mint. This fact establishes a strong base value regardless of grade. | High |
| F15 (Fine 15) | The coin saw heavy circulation. On a Buffalo Nickel, a Fine grade means: The date is fully readable; the Indian’s cheekbone is bold but flat; the word LIBERTY is visible but worn; and the Buffalo’s horn is often incomplete. | Moderate |
| ANACS | American Numismatic Association Certification Service. A recognized third-party grader that authenticates the coin. | Positive (Verifies authenticity) |
| “Details” | This is the designation given when a coin is genuine but has serious problems, disqualifying it from a straight numerical grade. | Negative (Severely limits marketability) |
| “Cleaned” | This is a form of permanent surface damage. Cleaning (usually involving harsh chemicals or abrasive materials) removes the original patina and luster, leaving the surface unnatural and often impaired, which is highly undesirable to serious collectors. | Severe Negative (Lowers value substantially) |
The low mintage of the 1931-S establishes a high floor for the value, but the “Cleaned” designation causes the coin to be valued significantly lower than a problem-free example.
Estimated Value Range: $15 to $25 USD
While it will sell for less than a pristine example, the certification ensures it will realize more than a raw, unverified, and damaged coin. This piece serves as an affordable way for a collector to acquire a certified example of a major key-date coin.
