With the exception of varieties, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel is the key date for the series. With a tiny mintage of only 970,000 pieces, the 1926-S nickel proves an extraordinary challenge in all grades, and most especially so above the mid-circulated threshold. Uncirculated specimens at any level are especially rare, and only a couple dozen or so are known in the MS65 range.

The 1926-S Buffalo nickel being so scarce, it is imperative that dealers and collectors take special precautions when handling raw examples. Counterfeits are a concern with any issue, and certainly this is true when discussing rare coins such as this one, which many consider one of the most significant rarities of the 20th century.