How Much Is a Buffalo Nickel Worth? Buffalo Nickels Worth Money List

Like any coin, the Buffalo Nickel value depends on several factors, including its date, mintmark, condition, and demand among collectors. Read on to learn more about the history and key dates of the most valuable coins in the Buffalo Nickel series. Continue reading to learn more about Buffalo Nickels worth money.

History of the Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin minted by the U.S. Mint from 1913 to 1938.

What is the Coin Design of the Buffalo Nickel?

Designed by an American sculptor, James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo nickel features a portrait of a Native American man on the front side of the coin and an image of an American bison on the back.

The American Indian man is believed to be a combination of three different Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree. The bison on the reverse side is modeled after an American buffalo named Black Diamond, who lived in the New York Zoological Gardens.

Its metal composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a diameter of 21.2 mm and a weight of 5 grams.

Where Was the Buffalo Nickel Minted?

The Buffalo nickel was minted at three different United States Mint locations, including:

1. Philadelphia Mint: With no mint mark
2. Denver Mint: “D”
3. San Francisco Mint: “S”

The rare coin was first minted in 1913 and was produced annually until 1938, except for 1922, 1932, and 1933. During that time, no nickels were minted due to low demand during the Great Depression.

Why Is the Buffalo Nickel Special?

The Buffalo nickel holds a special place in the history of U.S. coinage because of its controversies. One main concern was the design's susceptibility to wear, especially on the raised parts of the coin, because of the lack of a protective raised rim.

As a result, the date and other details on the currency would often wear quickly in circulation. Despite challenges faced during the Buffalo nickel’s production, the Buffalo nickel remains a popular and highly collectible coin among numismatists and coin collectors.

Its unique design and historical significance have made it a precious coin in the U.S. coinage, and it continues to be sought after by coin collectors today.

Key Dates for the Buffalo Nickel

Some 20th-centurykey dates for the Buffalo Nickel series include the following:

• 1913-S: The 1913-S Buffalo nickel is considered one of the series's most valuable and rarest dates. It was minted in San Francisco and had an estimated mintage of only about 1,209,000, making it highly sought after by collectors.

• 1924-S: The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is another key date in the series. It was also minted in San Francisco and had a relatively low mintage of 1,437,000. The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is known for its scarcity, and it's considered a challenging U.S. coin to find in higher grades, making it highly desirable.

• 1926-S: The 1926-S Buffalo nickel is also considered a key date in the series. It was also minted in San Francisco and is known for its low mintage of only 970,000, making it one of the scarcer dates in the Buffalo nickel series.

• 1931-S: The 1931-S Buffalo nickel is another key date in the Buffalo nickel series. It was also minted in San Francisco with a low mintage of 1,200,000. Because of its rarity, it is considered a significant U.S. coin among collectors.

These key date Buffalo nickels are generally more difficult to find and tend to command higher values due to their rarity and historical significance.

What Are the Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels?

The Buffalo Nickels listed below are examples of the  most valuable nickels dating back to 1913.

1913 D MS 68 Buffalo Nickel, Type 2

The 1913-D MS Buffalo Nickel, Type 2, is extremely rare and valued at $143,750. The type 1 coin has the words “FIVE CENTS” on the back side before the Buffalo. The denomination was the highest point on the currency and was the first feature to wear off. The mint decided to correct the problem, making the type 2 coins a gem found in uncirculated condition.

1916 MS 64 DDO Buffalo Nickel

The 1916 MS-64 Doubled Die ObverseBuffalo nickel is considered another mint error coin caused by improper manufacturing of a coin die and is valued at $281,750. To the naked eye, you can see the doubling of the last two digits on the date by a duplicate set of numbers to the right side of the original digits. This mint error went undiscovered for many years, making the majority of them classified as circulated.

1918-7 D MS 65 Buffalo Nickel

Similarly to the 1916 DDO Buffalo Nickel, the 1918-7 D MS-65 Buffalo Nickel was a product of reckless artistry at the U.S. Mint. There is a numeral seven underneath the last digit in the date. Uncirculated coins in immaculate condition are hard to come by, but if found, they are valued at $350,750.

1920-D MS 67 Buffalo Nickel

The 1920-D Buffalo nickel has a mintage of fewer than ten million coins. It is scarce in circulated grades and rare in mint state grades. The surface of this coin appears problem-free and is immensely well-struck. The buffalo horn is a quality strike, costing $138,000.

1926-S MS 66 Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-S MS-66 Buffalo nickel was minted in San Francisco, producing only 970,000 coins. This is the lowest mintage of any currency in the Buffalo Nickel series. This coin is considered high-quality and commands a value of $322,000.

Valuable Coins and Invaluable Advice for Coin Collectors

It is important to note that these Buffalo nickel values are approximate and can fluctuate according to market conditions and are based on the coin’s condition and other factors, such as date, mintmark, and state. If you believe you have a Buffalo nickel and want to determine if it's worth money, consult a reputable numismaticvalue guide or professional coin appraiser.

For more information on valuable coins, visit Bullion Shark today.

Sources:

The Top 15 Most Valuable Nickels | The Spruce Crafts

Types of Mint Error Coins | The Spruce Crafts

American Indians and US Coins #1: The Buffalo Nickel | AmericanNumismatic Association 

FAQ

1. What are Buffalo Nickels? Buffalo Nickels are U.S. five-cent coins that were produced from 1913 to 1938. They feature a Native American on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser.
2. Which Buffalo Nickels are the most valuable? The most valuable Buffalo Nickels are typically those from key dates or with low mintages, such as the 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D overdate, and the 1926-S. Coins in higher grades (especially those with full horn detail on the buffalo) are particularly sought after.
3. How much is a 1913 Buffalo Nickel worth? The value of a 1913 Buffalo Nickel depends on its type and condition. The 1913 Type 1, where the buffalo stands on a mound, is generally less valuable than the Type 2, where the buffalo stands on a flat ground. Prices can range from a few dollars to thousands for coins in pristine condition.
4. What makes the 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo Nickel valuable? The 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo Nickel is valuable due to a mint error that resulted in the buffalo appearing to have only three legs. This error, combined with its rarity and popularity among collectors, makes it one of the most sought-after nickels.
5. Can Buffalo Nickels still be found in circulation? While it's very rare, Buffalo Nickels can still occasionally be found in circulation. Most coins found this way will be in poor condition, but they can still be a fun find for collectors.
6. What should I look for in Buffalo Nickels to determine if they are valuable? Look for coins from rare dates or with mint errors like double dies and overdates. The overall condition is crucial; well-preserved coins with clear dates and features are more valuable. Also, check for coins with a full horn on the buffalo, which indicates less wear.
7. How do I care for and store my Buffalo Nickel collection? Store Buffalo Nickels in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use coin holders, tubes, or albums that are made from materials safe for coins to prevent scratches and chemical reactions that can damage the nickel.
8. What is the "no date" problem with Buffalo Nickels? Many Buffalo Nickels have their dates worn off due to the date being placed on a high point of the coin’s design. "No date" nickels are less valuable unless they are rare varieties identifiable through other means.
9. Are there any proof Buffalo Nickels? Yes, proof Buffalo Nickels were minted from 1913 to 1916 and then again in 1936 and 1937. These coins were struck with a special process that gives them a more detailed and mirrored appearance, making them highly desirable to collectors.
10. How has the value of Buffalo Nickels changed over time? The value of Buffalo Nickels has generally increased over time, especially for well-preserved examples from rare dates or with errors. The coin collecting market can fluctuate, but the demand for these iconic American coins has remained strong.