1929-S is the most common S-Mint nickel of the 1920s in all grades. Flashy AU coins, also known as “slidersâ€, are common. While truly mint state examples are slightly scarce, a greater than usual proportion of these are choice. Gems, however, remain elusive. BU rolls of this date were frequently available from dealers during the 1930s, though they seem to have become well dispersed after that time.
The greater than expected availability of this date in grades EF - AU suggests hoarding by collectors. Perhaps, like 1930-S and 1931-S, many of these coins went into storage during the Depression that began in 1929. Released much later, circa 1934- 35, they may have been set aside after only a brief period of circulation. The introduction of inexpensive coin boards for collectors dates from this period and would have provided additional incentive to retain these coins.
Varieties:
- Two re-punched mintmark varieties are reported but remain unconfirmed.
- In addition, a two-feathers variety is known (FS-1929S-401).
| Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco |
| 36,446,000 | 8,370,000 | 7,754,000 |