Lot 1189
1924-S. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in a First Generation Holder. Lovely rich golden toning. Well struck and very impressive. A definite highlight of the sale, this is a truly memorable 1924-S Nickel that stands as one of the freshest, most captivating Gem survivors of this key-date issue. The obverse and reverse are flooded in crescents of extremely vivid luster that gives way to lighter golden iridescence over the balance of the surfaces. Impressively sharp in the striking category, neither side reveals what we would classify as distracting or otherwise memorable lack of detail. Smooth and satiny, with the strongest eye appeal that this cataloger has seen in a long while in a '24-S Buffalo. Original mintage: 1.4 million pieces, most of which were poorly struck. Almost all have long since been worn out in circulation. Pop 34; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 3953) .
An immediate question that arises from collectors when first learning about the Buffalo nickel is who is depicted on the obverse. Pressed for an answer, designer James Earle Fraser eventually felt compelled to respond when he said the names of Iron Tail, a Sioux, and Two Moons, a Cheyenne, as being among the three models engaged. His memory failed him on the identity of the third, but the most reliable evidence suggests that the third model was Big Tree, a Kiowa.
Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized $32,200 |
