The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding this classic American coin in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery because the San Francisco mint mark makes it significantly rarer than standard nickels from the same era.
How to Identify Your 1917-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is a key piece of American history, featuring James Earle Fraser’s iconic design of a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. To ensure you have the valuable San Francisco variety, look closely at the reverse side of the coin. Below the words “FIVE CENTS” and the mound the buffalo stands upon, you should see a small “S” mint mark. If you are struggling to see the letter due to wear, using the best coin identifier app can help you zoom in and confirm the origin of your find.
Because these coins were struck during World War I, many saw heavy circulation, making well-preserved examples quite scarce today. If you aren’t sure about the quality of your coin, you can use the CoinHix app to compare your nickel against high-resolution images of graded specimens. Collectors highly prize the 1917-S because of its lower mintage compared to the Philadelphia mint, meaning even coins with significant wear still hold a respectable premium over their face value.
Understanding the Condition and Grading
The value of your 1917-S Buffalo Nickel depends almost entirely on its “grade,” which is a measure of how much detail remains on the coin. In “Good” condition, the date will be readable, but the buffalo’s horn and tail will be flat. In “Fine” or “Very Fine” condition, you will see more detail in the Native American’s hair braid and the buffalo’s fur. Most casual finders will have coins in the Good to Fine range, which are still worth a significant amount compared to modern nickels.
For those lucky enough to find a coin with its original luster, the price jumps into the thousands. You can research the specific 1917-S Buffalo Nickel mint state prices to see how the value climbs as the condition improves. If your coin looks shiny and has no visible scratches or wear on the high points like the cheekbone or the buffalo’s hip, you may want to have it professionally appraised. Using CoinHix can provide a quick initial estimate before you spend money on professional grading services.
1917-S Buffalo Nickel Value Chart
To help you understand what your coin might be worth at a glance, we have compiled a price guide based on recent auction data and market trends. Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on the specific eye appeal of the coin.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25 – $35 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $45 – $60 |
| Fine (F-12) | $85 – $110 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $160 – $210 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $350 – $450 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $850 – $2,500+ |
Why the San Francisco Mint Mark Matters
In 1917, the United States Mint produced nickels at three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). While the Philadelphia mint produced over 51 million nickels, the San Francisco mint produced only about 4.1 million. This lower production number is the primary reason why the 1917-S is so much more valuable than its Philadelphia counterpart.
When investigating the current market value of 1917 nickels, you will notice that the “S” version consistently commands a higher price in almost every grade. This scarcity makes it a “semi-key date” for collectors trying to complete a full set of Buffalo Nickels. If you are looking to sell, the CoinHix app can help you find interested buyers or reputable dealers who specialize in early 20th-century coinage.
Common Errors and Variations to Look For
While the standard 1917-S is already valuable, some collectors look for specific mint errors that can drive the price even higher. These might include “clipped planchets,” where a piece of the metal disk was missing before striking, or “doubled dies,” though no major doubled die varieties are widely recognized for the 1917-S compared to other years like the 1916.
The most common issue with these coins is a “weak strike.” Because the dies used in San Francisco were often used past their prime, some 1917-S nickels lack sharp detail even if they haven’t been circulated much. A coin with a “strong strike”—meaning the feathers on the Indian’s head and the buffalo’s tail are very crisp—will always sell for a premium. Always check your coins under a good light source to see if the details are sharp or mushy.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917 Buffalo Nickel?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. Look directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS” below the buffalo. You will see a small “S” for San Francisco or a “D” for Denver. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1917-S Buffalo Nickel with a worn-off date still worth anything?
A: Buffalo Nickels are notorious for having the date wear off because it was placed on a raised part of the design. A “dateless” 1917-S is worth significantly less, usually only a few dollars, unless you can prove the date through chemical restoration (which collectors generally dislike).
Q: How can I sell my 1917-S Buffalo Nickel?
A: You can sell your coin to local coin shops, through online auction sites, or at coin shows. Before selling, it is wise to use a tool like CoinHix to get a baseline idea of the value so you can negotiate a fair price with dealers.