The Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.05 in heavily circulated condition to over $100,000 for rare varieties in mint state. These iconic American coins, also known as Indian Head Nickels, were minted between 1913 and 1938 and remain a favorite for everyday people hoping to find a hidden treasure in an old jar.
Understanding the Buffalo Nickel Value and Key Varieties
If you just stumbled upon an old nickel with a Native American profile on the front and a bison on the back, you might be holding onto a small fortune. Most common Buffalo Nickels are worth between $1 and $5, but the value skyrockets if you have a specific year or a “mint error.” To quickly check if your find is a rarity, many collectors recommend using the best coin identifier app to get an instant estimate of its condition and market demand.
The most famous rarity is the 1913-S Type 2, which can fetch thousands of dollars because the US Mint changed the design mid-year. If you see “Five Cents” written on a flat line instead of a raised mound, you have a Type 2. For those just starting out, using the CoinHix app can help you identify these subtle design differences that determine whether a coin is worth a cup of coffee or a brand new car.
The Rare 1937 D Three Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel is perhaps the most famous error coin in American history. It was created when a mint employee accidentally polished away one of the buffalo’s front legs while trying to repair a damaged die. Because this error happened at the Denver Mint, you must look for the “D” mint mark on the back of the coin.
This specific coin is highly sought after because the mistake is visible to the naked eye. An authentic Three-Legged Buffalo in decent condition can easily sell for $500 to $2,000, while high-grade examples reach five figures. If you aren’t sure if your buffalo is missing a leg or just worn down, scanning it with CoinHix is a great way to verify the error before taking it to a professional dealer.
Top Buffalo Nickel Price Guide Table
When determining value, the date and mint mark are the most critical factors. Below is a guide to some of the most valuable specimens based on current market trends.
| Date and Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS-65) Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 | $350 – $500 | $3,000+ |
| 1916 Double Die Obverse | $1,000 – $3,000 | $25,000+ |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | $1,200 – $4,000 | $50,000+ |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Error | $550 – $1,200 | $15,000+ |
| 1926-S Key Date | $25 – $200 | $10,000+ |
Grading and Identifying Valuable Buffalo Nickels
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A Buffalo Nickel that looks “shiny” or “new” is described as Mint State (MS). For example, the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel price depends heavily on whether the details in the Native American’s hair and the Buffalo’s fur are still crisp. If the date has worn away completely—a common problem with this series—the value drops significantly.
Many people find “dateless” Buffalo Nickels. While these are usually only worth about 25 cents to a dollar, they are still fun pieces of history. However, if you can still see the date clearly, you should check it against a list of nickels worth money to ensure you aren’t spending a valuable rarity. Using the CoinHix app can help you determine the grade of your coin by comparing it to high-resolution images of certified specimens.
How to Spot an Overdate or Double Die Error
One of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels is the 1918/7-D. This is an “overdate” where the number 8 was stamped directly over a 7. You will need a magnifying glass or a high-quality smartphone camera to see the tail of the 7 peeking out from under the 8. These are incredibly rare and highly prized by collectors.
Another one to watch for is the 1916 Double Die Obverse. Look closely at the date and the chin of the Native American profile. If the numbers look doubled or blurred in a specific way, you might have a coin worth over $1,000 even in worn condition. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surface, as preservation is key to maintaining their high market value.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Nickels
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a Buffalo Nickel?
A: The mint mark (if there is one) is located on the back (reverse) of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” You will see a small “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Why do so many Buffalo Nickels have no date?
A: The date on this coin was placed on a raised area of the design. Because of this, it was the first part of the coin to rub against other coins in pockets and cash registers. Once the date is worn off, the coin’s value to collectors is very low.
Q: Is it okay to clean my old Buffalo Nickel to make it look better?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning them with chemicals or cloths creates micro-scratches that professional graders can easily detect. A cleaned coin can lose up to 90% of its potential value, so it is best to leave it in its original state.
