The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, is a five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1921 and 1923 to 1938. This iconic coin features a Native American profile on the front and an American bison on the reverse.
While beloved for its design, the Buffalo nickel faced challenges due to its intricate details. These features wore out quickly, particularly the date area, rendering many nickels “dateless.” This rarity has significantly increased the value of those with legible dates. However, a Buffalo nickel’s worth depends on multiple factors, including its condition, rarity, and historical significance.
Here’s a countdown of the 15 most valuable Buffalo nickels, ranked from least to most expensive:
15. 1919 D Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $1,713
More than 70 million Buffalo nickels were minted in 1919, with around 8 million produced in Denver. Most were heavily circulated, making high-grade coins rare and valuable.
14. 1920 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $1,981
While 63 million nickels were minted in 1920, only 10 million came from the San Francisco Mint. Mint-condition pieces are scarce due to design flaws that caused rapid wear.
13. 1919 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $1,981
Out of 70 million nickels minted in 1919, fewer than 8 million were struck in San Francisco. Even low-grade examples fetch up to $20, but uncirculated ones are exceptionally rare.
12. 1925 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $2,058
With about 45 million Buffalo nickels minted in 1925, coins of lower quality are common. However, a mint-condition coin from this year is a collector’s gem.
11. 1927 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $2,277
Despite the seventh-lowest mint run in Buffalo nickel history, many 1927 nickels survived. San Francisco-minted coins, especially in uncirculated condition, are highly sought after.
10. 1921 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $2,397
This year, the U.S. Mint prioritized Morgan dollar production, resulting in only 1,557,000 nickels minted in San Francisco. Denver produced none, making the 1921 S Nickel extremely rare.
9. 1918 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $3,127
San Francisco produced fewer than 5 million nickels in 1918, about one-ninth of the national total. Even coins in “good” condition are worth around $20.
8. 1924 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $4,175
With only 1,437,000 nickels minted in San Francisco, this coin is one of the rarer Buffalo nickels. Lower-grade coins can fetch $20-$30, a stark contrast to the $1 value of Philadelphia-minted counterparts.
7. 1937 D 3 Legs Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $5,842
This coin is a collector’s favorite due to a production error that makes the buffalo appear to have only three legs. The missing foreleg adds a unique charm.
6. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $7,125
Another error coin, this nickel features a doubling effect on the reverse side. The letters spelling “FIVE CENTS” are more pronounced, making it stand out from standard coins.
5. 1914 4 Over 3 Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $7,132
This coin features a double-stamped date, with the “4” stamped over the “3.” The subtle error can be identified by examining the date closely.
4. 1926 S Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $10,502
The rarest of all Buffalo nickels, with fewer than 970,000 minted in San Francisco. Its low production run makes it a prized piece among collectors.
3. 1936 D 3 and a Half Legs Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $22,441
Similar to the 1937 3 Legs Nickel, this coin’s value comes from a partial-leg error, creating the appearance of a stump for the front leg.
2. 1918 D 8 Over 7 Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $64,395
This Denver-minted coin features an overdate error, with “8” stamped over “7.” Even in lesser conditions, it’s worth over $1,000 due to its rarity.
1. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
- Value: $159,442
The most valuable Buffalo nickel ever minted, this coin features a doubled date due to a striking error. Its extreme rarity and unique flaw make it worth six figures, even in poor condition.
Why Collect Buffalo Nickels?
Buffalo nickels are more than just coins—they’re historical artifacts that capture the spirit of early 20th-century America. Their intricate designs and unique errors make them fascinating for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer, these coins are treasures worth pursuing.
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