The S mint on this and any U.S. coin means it was struck in San Francisco. The link below shows all mints and their letter marks.
The U.S. Mint issued the 5-cent nickel with an Indian head on the front and a buffalo on the back from 1913 until 1938. Often known as the "buffalo nickel" or "Indian head nickel," the coin is popular among collectors. A few prints are considered rarities while most others---like the 1929 print---are abundant and are worth, on average, 50 cents. As with any good collectible, some discrepancies in printing make some coins more sought after than others.
The last buffalo nickels* were struck in 1938.Please check your coin again and post a new question. Include the mint mark, if any, underneath the words FIVE CENTS on the back.If your coin is actually dated 1978 it's not a real buffalo nickel, it's a fantasy piece or replica and has no numismatic value.(*) FWIW the coin is actually a nickel rather than "nickle"
They're the initials of Felix Schlag, the coin's designer. Schlag had a dispute with the Mint over the original design for the coin and his initials were not shown until 1966. In 2006, when the new permanent portrait of Jefferson was put on the front of the nickel FS was moved to the reverse side which continues to show his picture of Monticello.
The value of a 1940 Buffalo nickel can vary depending on its condition and mint mark. In general, a circulated coin is typically worth around $1 to $3, while one in uncirculated condition may be worth $15 to $25 or more. It's best to have a coin appraiser evaluate its specific condition and rarity for a more accurate assessment.
Nickels are made in the United States Mint. Seventy-five percent of the nickel is copper and twenty-five is made of actual nickel.
F is not a mint mark. It's the initial of the coin's designer, James E. Fraser. The mint mark position is on the back under FIVE CENTS. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1929 US nickel?" for more information
If you mean a Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark, it was struck in Philadelphia. The P mint mark was used on nickels for the first time in 1980
The U.S. mint did not issue a nickel with a buffalo on it in 1867.
Check under the "FIVE CENTS" on the reverse of the coin. Possible mint marks are:No mint mark = PhiladelphiaD = DenverS = San FranciscoAlso note that the coin is called either a Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, but not "buffalo head". After all, it shows the whole buffalo, not just its head!
In average condition, value is $1.00-$4.00. Better grade coins are $10.00-$30.00. Mint State coins can be $50.00 or more.
1913 is when the US mint started making buffalo nickels. Remember, the coin is called a "buffalo nickel" or an "Indian Head nickel" but not "buffalo head" because it shows the whole animal on the back.
Current retail value is $18.00-22.00 for mint state coins
It would depend on the date of the Buffalo nickel. Post a new question and include the date and mintmark if there is one.
The small D or S underneath the words "Five Cents" tells where the coin was minted. D = Denver, S = San Francisco. Up till 1979/1980, nearly all coins struck at Philadelphia did not carry a mint mark, so if you have a coin before that date - or any penny, including newer ones - without a mint mark, it was probably struck in Philly. A 1929-D buffalo nickel might retail for $1 if well-worn, up to $30 if in like-new condition.
It's a mintmark indicating the coin was minted in San Francisco. Possible letters on a buffalo nickel are:No mint mark = PhiladelphiaD = DenverS = San Francisco
A dateless Buffalo nickel is still worth 5 cents. Some people use them to make jewlery out of and will pay a little more.
All Buffalo nickels have an "F" on the front. It's the designers initial, James Earle Fraser. The mint mark, if any, is on the back under the words FIVE CENTS.