Minted in Philadelphia, the 1929 Buffalo nickel is an exciting find for a collector. Coins minted in Philadelphia never carried a mint mark until the 1940s, because Philadelphia was the original U.S. Minting location. The other 1929 Buffalo nickels will be marked with a “D” or an “S” for Denver or San Francisco, but the absence of a mint mark means it was minted at the truly historic Philadelphia Mint. Continue reading to learn more about 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value.
AUCTION RECORD: $63,250 • MS67
Image source: PCGS
The Great Depression and the U.S. Mint
During Black Friday, the day of one of the most major stock market crashes in history, many Americans felt its effects in their own wallets. This also in turn affected the U.S. Mint, as the public production numbers began to dwindle from 1929 until 1934. Decreased demand for money that people did not have would begin to be a massive problem for the Treasury department, as many Americans were simply unable to use money as they had before.
1929 Buffalo Head Nickel
Finding a 1929 Buffalo nickel is important to many collectors, and an exciting addition to any collection. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. Stay on the lookout for clear edges on the designs on both the obverse and reverse, and clear engravings of the date, “E Pluribus Unum,” and “Liberty,” and cent-value. Highly circulated coins go for, on average, around a dollar and twenty-five cents - making this an affordable coin to kick off a collection. A mint condition coin is valued at forty dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1929
Mint Mark: None
Total mintage: 36,446,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters
1929 Buffalo Nickel Value
The value of a 1929 Buffalo Nickel can vary significantly based on its condition, mint mark, and any potential errors or unique features. The 1929 Buffalo Nickel was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Here's a general guide to its value based on condition and mint mark:
1929 (Philadelphia, no mint mark)
- Good (G4): $1.50 - $2.00
- Fine (F12): $3.00 - $4.00
- Extremely Fine (XF40): $10 - $15
- Uncirculated (MS60): $30 - $50
1929-D (Denver)
- Good (G4): $2.00 - $3.00
- Fine (F12): $10 - $15
- Extremely Fine (XF40): $30 - $40
- Uncirculated (MS60): $100 - $150
1929-S (San Francisco)
- Good (G4): $2.00 - $3.00
- Fine (F12): $10 - $15
- Extremely Fine (XF40): $40 - $50
- Uncirculated (MS60): $150 - $200
These values are approximate and can fluctuate based on the coin market's current state. Coins with exceptional eye appeal, those graded by reputable services, or those with Full Horn details (indicating less wear on the buffalo's head) can command higher prices. It's also important to note that the presence of any significant errors or varieties could further increase a coin's value.
High-grade 1929 Buffalo Nickels, especially those with mint marks "D" (Denver) or "S" (San Francisco), can indeed fetch significant sums. For instance, a 1929-S Buffalo Nickel in MS67 condition (using the Sheldon coin grading scale) could be valued in the range of several thousand dollars, potentially reaching up to $10,000 or more at auction, depending on the coin's eye appeal, market demand, and the presence of any unique features like a Full Horn designation.
FAQ
What is the average value of a 1929 Buffalo Nickel?
The average value of a 1929 Buffalo Nickel in circulated condition typically ranges from $1 to $3. Higher grades can significantly increase its value.
How much is a 1929 Buffalo Nickel worth in mint condition?
A 1929 Buffalo Nickel in mint condition (MS60 or higher) can be worth $30 to $50 for coins without a mint mark. Coins with a "D" or "S" mint mark in mint condition can fetch higher prices, often exceeding $100.
Does the mint mark affect the 1929 Buffalo Nickel's value?
Yes, the mint mark can significantly affect the value. "D" (Denver) and "S" (San Francisco) mint marks are generally more valuable than those without a mint mark (Philadelphia).
What is the most valuable 1929 Buffalo Nickel?
The most valuable 1929 Buffalo Nickels are those in uncirculated condition with a "D" or "S" mint mark, especially if they have full horn detail on the buffalo. These can reach into the hundreds of dollars.
Can a 1929 Buffalo Nickel be worth more than $100?
Yes, a 1929 Buffalo Nickel can be worth more than $100, particularly if it's in uncirculated condition with a "D" or "S" mint mark and has full details.
What factors determine the value of a 1929 Buffalo Nickel?
The main factors include the coin's condition (grade), mint mark, and any unique features or errors. The presence of a full horn on the buffalo's design on the reverse is a significant indicator of a higher-grade coin.
How do I find out if my 1929 Buffalo Nickel is valuable?
To determine if your 1929 Buffalo Nickel is valuable, examine its condition, check for a mint mark, and consult a coin value guide or a professional numismatist.
Are circulated 1929 Buffalo Nickels valuable?
Circulated 1929 Buffalo Nickels can have some value, especially if they have clear dates and mint marks. However, their value is typically modest compared to uncirculated coins.
What is the value of a 1929 "D" Buffalo Nickel?
A 1929 "D" Buffalo Nickel can range from $3 in good condition to over $100 in uncirculated condition. The exact value depends on the coin's overall grade and eye appeal.
What is the value of a 1929 "S" Buffalo Nickel?
The 1929 "S" Buffalo Nickel is generally more valuable than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts, with prices ranging from $3 in good condition to several hundred dollars in uncirculated grades.
You may also like: 1930 Buffalo Nickel, 1935 Buffalo Nickel, 1936 Buffalo Nickel, 1937 Buffalo Nickel, silver eagles, morgan silver dollars, silver britannia, us notes and silver certificate, eisenhower dollar.