What Year Buffalo Nickels Are Worth Money?

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a copper-nickel five-cent coin minted by the United States from 1913 to 1938. While many are common, specific years, mint marks, and varieties can hold considerable value for collectors. Understanding these factors helps distinguish a common coin from a valuable numismatic treasure.

Factors Influencing Value

A Buffalo Nickel’s worth is determined by several factors. Rarity plays a significant role; coins produced in smaller quantities or those with higher attrition rates become more valuable over time. The coin’s condition, or grade, is also a major determinant, as its preservation directly correlates with its market price.

Mint marks indicate the coin’s production location: “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mark for Philadelphia. These marks are typically found on the reverse, beneath the “FIVE CENTS” inscription. The specific mint mark, or its absence, can influence a coin’s rarity and value. Varieties and errors, such as design alterations or striking anomalies, also contribute to a coin’s uniqueness and can increase its value.

Key Dates and Varieties to Seek

Several specific Buffalo Nickel dates and varieties are sought after by collectors due to their rarity or unique characteristics. Identifying these can transform a seemingly ordinary coin into a valuable find.

The 1913-S Type 2 is a first-year San Francisco issue featuring a revised flat mound reverse design, making it scarce in Mint State condition. Circulated examples can be worth between $160 and $825, while uncirculated examples can sell for as much as $40,000. The 1913-D Type 2, minted in Denver, is a semi-key date, with values ranging from $70 to $275 in circulated condition and up to $35,000 for uncirculated specimens. This type also features a flat ground for the “FIVE CENTS” inscription, a change from the earlier raised mound design.

The 1914/13 Overdate is an error where the 1914 date was struck over a 1913 impression, creating a valuable variety. Identifying this requires close examination of the date to discern the underlying “3” beneath the “4.”

The 1915-S is another valuable San Francisco issue due to its lower mintage, with higher-grade examples commanding substantial premiums. The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse is an error exhibiting clear doubling on the date and inscriptions on the front of the coin. This variety is recognized for its strong doubling, making it a valuable find.

The 1918/7-D Overdate is a valuable overdate error in U.S. coinage, where the 1917 date was struck over 1918. This error is identifiable by observing the faint outline of the “7” beneath the “8” in the date. This variety is considered rare in Mint State condition.

The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is a key date with a low mintage of just over 1.5 million pieces. San Francisco issues from this year are sought after, with circulated examples ranging from $50 to $2,050 and uncirculated coins reaching up to $22,000. The 1924-S and 1926-S are also low-mintage San Francisco issues, making high-grade examples valuable. The 1926-S had the lowest mintage of the series at 970,000 pieces.

The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse is identifiable by doubling on the “FIVE CENTS” inscription on the coin’s reverse. This doubling can also appear on the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” motto. An uncirculated example of this variety has sold for as much as $25,000.

The 1936-D 3½ Legs variety is an error where excessive die polishing removed part of the buffalo’s front right leg, leaving only a partial outline. This distinctive characteristic makes it a desirable and easily recognizable variety.

The 1937-D 3 Legs is a famous Buffalo Nickel variety, resulting from aggressive die polishing at the Denver Mint that removed the buffalo’s front leg entirely. This error is collectible, with circulated examples worth between $350 and $1,950, and uncirculated specimens fetching up to $110,000. Fakes of this coin exist, so careful examination for the missing leg and a “mushy” appearance on the reverse is necessary.

Understanding Coin Condition

Assessing a Buffalo Nickel’s condition is important in determining its value. Coin condition, or grade, refers to the amount of wear a coin has sustained and the preservation of its original details. Cleaning coins is generally discouraged, as it can cause damage and reduce their numismatic value.

A simplified grading scale categorizes a coin’s state of preservation, ranging from Good (G) for heavily worn coins to Uncirculated (UNC/MS) for coins with no signs of wear. Terms like Very Good (VG), Fine (F), Very Fine (VF), Extremely Fine (EF), and About Uncirculated (AU) represent intermediate stages of wear.

For Buffalo Nickels, specific features are examined for wear indicators. These include the clarity of the buffalo’s horn, the Indian’s braids and feathers, and the legibility of the date and mint mark. The definition of the buffalo’s back and leg muscles, as well as the clarity of the “FIVE CENTS” inscription on the reverse, also contribute to the overall grade. The presence of “Full Horn” or “Full Leg” details signifies higher grades and increased value.

Next Steps for Valuation

If you believe you possess a valuable Buffalo Nickel, seeking professional expertise for an accurate valuation is the next step. Engaging a reputable coin dealer or a certified numismatist for an appraisal is a good decision. Their specialized knowledge ensures an accurate assessment of the coin’s authenticity, rarity, and condition, providing a reliable estimate of its market worth.

Professional organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) can help locate certified experts. Professional coin grading services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) offer authentication, grading, and encapsulation services. These services provide an impartial, standardized grade, which can enhance a coin’s market credibility and value.

Once a coin has been appraised or professionally graded, various avenues exist for selling. These include reputable coin dealers, coin shows, and specialized online auction platforms. Maintaining records of the coin’s history and any appraisal documents is advisable.