The 1914 Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. Finding this classic American coin in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery, as its value remains strong due to its iconic “Indian Head” design and historical significance.
| Condition / Grade | 1914 (Philadelphia) | 1914-D (Denver) | 1914-S (San Francisco) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 | $75 | $25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $28 | $140 | $65 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $60 | $350 | $210 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150 | $850 | $600 |
Identifying Your 1914 Buffalo Nickel and Its Variations
The 1914 Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was the second year of this legendary series designed by James Earle Fraser. For standard collectors and those who just found a coin, identifying the mint mark is the most crucial step in determining the price. If you are unsure whether your coin is a rare variety, you can use the best coin identifier app to get instant feedback on your specific specimen.
In 1914, the United States Mint produced these coins at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint coins have no mint mark, while the Denver coins feature a small “D” and San Francisco coins feature an “S” on the reverse side. The mint mark is found on the back of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS” and below the buffalo’s tail.
The 1914-D is widely considered the “key date” for this year. Because the Denver mint produced significantly fewer nickels than Philadelphia, collectors compete fiercely for them today. Even in low grades, a 1914-D Nickel commands a premium price. If you want to verify your find quickly, using the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin against a database of high-resolution images.
Grading the Condition of a 1914 Indian Head Nickel
The value of your 1914 Buffalo Nickel is largely dependent on its “grade,” which refers to how much wear and tear the coin has sustained over the last century. Because these coins were made of copper-nickel, they stayed in circulation for a long time, leading to many worn-out examples.
A “Good” grade coin will have a visible date, but the details of the Native American’s hair and the Buffalo’s horn will be mostly flat. “Fine” coins show some hair detail around the ear and a partial horn. “Extra Fine” coins look nearly new but have slight smoothing on high points. Finally, “Mint State” coins have never been used in commerce and retain their original shiny luster.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Typical Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 Good | Date is readable; rim is worn into the design. | Budget-friendly for beginner collectors. |
| VF-20 Very Fine | The buffalo’s horn is about half visible. | Solid detail, nice for a middle-tier collection. |
| AU-50 About Uncirculated | Trace wear on the cheekbone and hip. | Looks like a new coin at a glance. |
Major 1914 Nickel Varieties: The 4 Over 3 Error
One of the most sought-after treasures in the numismatic world is the 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel overdate. This occurred when a 1914 die was punched over a 1913 die, leaving a faint “3” visible underneath the “4” in the date. If you find one of these, you have hit the jackpot.
Even in very poor condition, a 1914/3 overdate can sell for hundreds of dollars. In high grades, these coins have sold for tens of thousands at auction. To determine if you have this rare variety, look closely at the “4” with a magnifying glass. You should see the top bar of a “3” or a curve inside the crook of the 4.
Checking the 1914 buffalo nickel auction prices will show you that error coins like this are the crown jewels of the series. If you suspect your coin has this error, it is best to have it professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC, as many fakes and “altered dates” exist in the market.
The Rarity and Value of 1914-D and 1914-S Nickels
While the Philadelphia mint produced over 20 million nickels in 1914, the branch mints in Denver and San Francisco produced far fewer. The 1914-D has a mintage of only 3.9 million, and the 1914-S has a mintage of 3.4 million. While the San Francisco mintage is technically lower, more 1914-S coins were saved by collectors at the time, making the 1914-D harder to find in higher grades today.
Because these coins are nearly 110 years old, finding one in your change is statistically rare, but they frequently turn up in estate sales or mixed “junk silver” lots. Using CoinHix can help you track the market price of these branch mint coins, which fluctuates based on collector demand and precious metal trends.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Figure | Supply Level |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philadelphia) | 20,664,463 | Common |
| D (Denver) | 3,912,600 | Scarce |
| S (San Francisco) | 3,470,000 | Scarce |
Why the Buffalo Nickel Design Matters to Collectors
The Buffalo Nickel is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted in the United States. James Earle Fraser used three different Native American chiefs as models for the profile on the front (obverse) and an American bison named “Black Diamond” from the Central Park Zoo for the back (reverse).
Collectors love this coin because it represents the “Old West.” Unlike the Jefferson Nickels we use today, which have a very formal and static look, the Buffalo Nickel has a rugged, hand-sculpted feel. This artistic appeal ensures that the 1914 nickel worth today remains significantly higher than its face value of five cents.
When assessing your coin, look at the strike quality. Some 1914 nickels were struck with “mushy” dies, meaning the details don’t look sharp even if the coin wasn’t used much. A “sharp strike” where every hair on the buffalo’s head is visible will always bring a higher price from a serious collector.
How to Store and Protect Your 1914 Buffalo Nickel
If you discover that your 1914 Buffalo Nickel is worth $50, $100, or more, you need to protect it. The most important rule in coin collecting is never clean your coins. Cleaning a coin with polish, vinegar, or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its collector value. Most experienced buyers prefer a dirty, brown, original-looking coin over a shiny, cleaned one.
To preserve the value of your 1914 Buffalo Nickel, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard 2×2 holder. This prevents the oils from your skin and the moisture in the air from causing further corrosion or “toning.” For high-value coins like the 1914-D or the 1914/3 overdate, professional grading and “slabbing” in a hard plastic case is the best way to guarantee its authenticity and grade.
If you are looking to sell, avoid pawn shops and local “we buy gold” stores, as they often pay only a fraction of what the coin is actually worth. Instead, check reputable online auction sites or use the CoinHix app to find recent realized prices at major coin shows. Knowledge is power when it comes to old currency!
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1914 Buffalo Nickel?
A: The mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) is located on the reverse side of the coin. Look at the “tails” side, right below the words “FIVE CENTS.” If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1914 Nickel made of silver?
A: No, Buffalo Nickels do not contain any silver. They are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, because of their age and design, they are often worth much more than the metal value.
Q: How can I tell if I have the 1914/3 overdate?
A: You will need a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe. Look closely at the “4” in the date. You are looking for a small horizontal or curved line inside or underneath the 4, which is the remnant of the number 3 from the previous year’s die.
Q: Why is my 1914 Nickel so smooth?
A: Buffalo Nickels were designed with the date and the buffalo’s horn on “high points” of the design. This meant they were the first parts to wear away when the coin was used in daily transactions. Smooth coins are “culls” and are usually worth $1-$2 unless they are a rare mint mark.