1918 was a year marked by triumph and loss for the American public. With Spanish Flu on the rise, and World War I coming to an end, many people are on the lookout for coins of this era, not only because of the wonderful history behind coins and coin collecting - but because they have lasted through some of the United States’ biggest historical moments. A 1918 Buffalo nickel is a wonderful piece of American and Minting history.
Other Markings on the Buffalo Nickel
While the Buffalo and the Indian Head are the most notable designs on the coin, there are a number of other markings on the coin. During the coin design process, one of the stipulations given to James Earle Fraser was that "the motto, 'In God We Trust', is not required upon this coin and I presume we are agreed that nothing should be upon it that is not required." There is a small “F” under the date, which is the artist’s signature, short for Fraser. Also visible is the word “Liberty” along the obverse with the Indian Head, and “E Pluribus Unum” sandwiched under the “United States of America” on the top of the reverse.
1918 Buffalo Nickel Values
Finding a 1918 Buffalo nickel is important to many collectors. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. Stay on the lookout for clear edges on the design, and a clear engraving of the date, mint mark, and cent-value. Highly circulated coins go for, on average, around six dollars - making this an affordable coin to kick off a collection. A mint condition coin is valued up to a hundred and twenty-five dollars. Many ask how much is a buffalo nickel worth? To find out what other dates are worth, visit our resource center.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1918
Mint Mark: No mint mark
Total mintage: 32,086,314
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters