Buffalo Nickel Values
How Much Buffalo Nickels are Worth: Buffalo Nickel
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | (None) Phil | Type 1 | -- | $14 | $15.50 | $20 | $30 | $40 | $48 | $88 | $125 | $300 | $309 |
| 1913 | D | Type 2 | -- | $150 | $144 | $162 | $230 | $224 | $312 | $417 | $530 | $1,300 | $2,110 |
| 1913 | S | Type 2 | -- | $273 | $400 | $450 | $549 | $568 | $859 | $1,242 | $1,670 | $2,935 | $5,635 |
| 1913 | D | Type 1 | -- | $20.80 | $30 | $37 | $50 | $61 | $85 | $160 | $187 | $343 | $612 |
| 1913 | (None) Phil | Type 2 | -- | $18 | $20 | $21.70 | $30 | $29.90 | $44 | $94 | $190 | $412 | $888 |
| 1913 | S | Type 1 | -- | $54 | $59 | $65 | $84 | $107 | $165 | $274 | $401 | $826 | $1,488 |
| 1914 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $20 | $20 | $27.90 | $45 | $41 | $68 | $135 | $243 | $447 | $1,095 |
| 1914 | (None) Phil | 1914/(3) | -- | $403 | $533 | $598 | $764 | $979 | $2,315 | $5,449 | $9,210 | $21,300 | $67,000 |
| 1914 | D | -- | -- | $99 | $150 | $200 | $250 | $298 | $444 | $558 | $765 | $1,348 | $2,915 |
| 1914 | S | -- | -- | $40 | $50 | $70 | $103 | $149 | $235 | $428 | $763 | $2,400 | $6,625 |
| 1915 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7.20 | $10 | $17 | $19.60 | $39 | $59 | $138 | $184 | $508 | $829 |
| 1915 | D | -- | -- | $35 | $42 | $63 | $115 | $153 | $268 | $356 | $709 | $1,528 | $3,815 |
| 1915 | S | -- | -- | $70 | $90 | $187 | $378 | $553 | $821 | $1,488 | $1,940 | $3,090 | $6,000 |
| 1916 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $6.70 | $7 | $13 | $25 | $24.90 | $100 | $106 | $155 | $350 | $777 |
| 1916 | (None) Phil | Doubled Die Obverse | -- | $7,080 | $9,415 | $12,875 | $19,500 | $27,050 | $66,250 | $145,250 | $247,500 | -- | -- |
| 1916 | D | -- | -- | $30 | $40 | $50 | $75 | $110 | $175 | $307 | $689 | $1,560 | $6,970 |
| 1916 | S | -- | -- | $18 | $33 | $37 | $88 | $125 | $216 | $415 | $795 | $2,905 | $4,690 |
| 1917 | S | -- | -- | $45 | $80 | $140 | $225 | $365 | $1,034 | $1,634 | $2,480 | $3,760 | $6,275 |
| 1917 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7.20 | $10 | $17 | $25 | $60 | $67 | $231 | $289 | $495 | $985 |
| 1917 | D | -- | -- | $35 | $51 | $90 | $150 | $267 | $477 | $852 | $1,055 | $2,090 | $5,490 |
| 1918 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7.20 | $12 | $15 | $35 | $59 | $177 | $357 | $595 | $1,131 | $2,125 |
| 1918 | D | -- | -- | $30 | $70 | $120 | $230 | $334 | $578 | $1,094 | $1,558 | $3,900 | $7,263 |
| 1918/7 | D | -- | -- | $1,133 | $2,115 | $3,305 | $8,350 | $11,700 | $31,200 | $45,550 | $100,500 | $268,250 | $481,250 |
| 1918 | S | -- | -- | $30 | $59 | $110 | $203 | $378 | $1,043 | $2,860 | $3,600 | $12,800 | $46,500 |
| 1919 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4.40 | $8 | $10 | $30 | $36 | $77 | $191 | $275 | $521 | $1,262 |
| 1919 | D | -- | -- | $30 | $72 | $107 | $200 | $390 | $938 | $1,560 | $2,480 | $4,218 | $12,720 |
| 1919 | S | -- | -- | $25 | $54 | $99 | $267 | $387 | $774 | $1,553 | $3,430 | $9,925 | $83,000 |
| 1920 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3.20 | $4.60 | $7.20 | $20 | $33 | $76 | $172 | $255 | $667 | $1,273 |
| 1920 | D | -- | -- | $20 | $40 | $107 | $271 | $375 | $767 | $1,585 | $2,780 | $5,060 | $49,995 |
| 1920 | S | -- | -- | $14.90 | $35 | $90 | $213 | $299 | $815 | $1,558 | $3,655 | $11,960 | $49,995 |
| 1921 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7.70 | $10 | $25 | $60 | $80 | $251 | $453 | $536 | $950 | $1,530 |
| 1921 | S | -- | -- | $89 | $160 | $270 | $817 | $1,185 | $2,455 | $3,845 | $4,730 | $10,125 | $17,495 |
| 1923 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3.70 | $5.70 | $9 | $25 | $75 | $74 | $207 | $290 | $574 | $1,549 |
| 1923 | S | -- | -- | $10 | $25 | $80 | $170 | $318 | $603 | $1,066 | $1,535 | $4,895 | $42,450 |
| 1924 | S | -- | -- | $50 | $91 | $250 | $780 | $1,535 | $3,085 | $5,023 | $8,225 | $12,500 | $33,750 |
| 1924 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $6 | $5 | $12 | $23.80 | $44 | $97 | $274 | $448 | $963 | $2,395 |
| 1924 | D | -- | -- | $14.50 | $27 | $83 | $230 | $340 | $592 | $1,223 | $1,590 | $4,050 | $11,280 |
| 1925 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4.40 | $5.70 | $8.80 | $20.80 | $50 | $54 | $200 | $260 | $433 | $759 |
| 1925 | D | -- | -- | $27 | $40 | $91 | $230 | $348 | $531 | $929 | $1,403 | $3,465 | $10,350 |
| 1925 | S | -- | -- | $14 | $20 | $75 | $195 | $270 | $758 | $1,719 | $2,635 | $12,285 | $91,500 |
| 1926 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4 | $4.10 | $8 | $20 | $21.30 | $43 | $96 | $135 | $245 | $494 |
| 1926 | D | -- | -- | $20 | $33 | $80 | $165 | $292 | $435 | $635 | $1,127 | $4,575 | $8,585 |
| 1926 | S | -- | -- | $50 | $78 | $170 | $549 | $2,158 | $5,060 | $9,570 | $13,700 | $77,995 | $126,500 |
| 1927 | S | -- | -- | $4.80 | $10 | $37 | $115 | $285 | $965 | $2,565 | $3,495 | $13,834 | $78,250 |
| 1927 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $5 | $3.80 | $5 | $13 | $21.30 | $44 | $130 | $186 | $321 | $594 |
| 1927 | D | -- | -- | $9.30 | $20 | $37 | $90 | $130 | $245 | $444 | $998 | $3,540 | $21,100 |
| 1928 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4 | $3.80 | $10 | $15 | $24.90 | $44 | $83 | $161 | $319 | $641 |
| 1928 | D | -- | -- | $5 | $9 | $20 | $50 | $51 | $70 | $148 | $225 | $558 | $3,175 |
| 1928 | S | -- | -- | $8 | $7 | $17 | $38 | $101 | $330 | $697 | $1,013 | $2,655 | $13,275 |
| 1929 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4 | $3.80 | $7 | $13 | $21.30 | $120 | $82 | $130 | $305 | $699 |
| 1929 | D | -- | -- | $3 | $7 | $12 | $35 | $47 | $75 | $165 | $273 | $926 | $1,903 |
| 1929 | S | -- | -- | $3 | $2.70 | $6 | $17 | $40 | $62 | $151 | $204 | $403 | $904 |
| 1930 | S | -- | -- | $3 | $3.60 | $5.20 | $17 | $50 | $89 | $164 | $291 | $484 | $901 |
| 1930 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3 | $2.80 | $5 | $10 | $20 | $120 | $80 | $125 | $213 | $390 |
| 1931 | S | -- | -- | $16.10 | $17.60 | $20.20 | $30 | $55 | $83 | $138 | $180 | $329 | $717 |
| 1934 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3 | $2.80 | $6 | $13 | $25.50 | $75 | $79 | $115 | $223 | $1,439 |
| 1934 | D | -- | -- | $3 | $5 | $10 | $23.80 | $48 | $83 | $153 | $205 | $454 | $1,915 |
| 1935 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $8.50 | $50 | $48 | $71 | $130 | $233 |
| 1935 | (None) Phil | Doubled Die Reverse | -- | $68 | $86 | $132 | $465 | $1,029 | $4,590 | $7,850 | $10,450 | $30,250 | -- |
| 1935 | D | -- | -- | $3 | $2.80 | $10 | $20.80 | $43 | $72 | $100 | $117 | $298 | $800 |
| 1935 | S | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $3.20 | $13 | $19.10 | $51 | $80 | $106 | $200 | $452 |
| 1936 | S | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $3.30 | $4.10 | $15 | $35 | $48 | $72 | $120 | $242 |
| 1936 | D | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $3.20 | $7 | $19.40 | $36 | $52 | $75 | $125 | $220 |
| 1936 | D | 3-1/2 Legs | -- | $827 | $1,175 | $1,770 | $4,230 | $6,315 | $14,100 | $26,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1936 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $5 | $7 | $9.10 | $45 | $50 | $62 | $88 | $150 |
| 1937 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $5 | $5 | $8.50 | $40 | $34 | $43 | $65 | $87 |
| 1937 | D | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $3.20 | $4.10 | $8.50 | $50 | $38 | $60 | $80 | $104 |
| 1937 | D | 3 Legs | -- | $499 | $588 | $726 | $943 | $1,230 | $2,710 | $5,890 | $8,545 | $27,700 | $52,995 |
| 1937 | S | -- | -- | $3 | $4 | $5 | $7 | $8.50 | $60 | $37 | $43 | $78 | $118 |
| 1938 | D | -- | -- | $2.50 | $3.10 | $3.90 | $4.80 | $8.50 | $24.90 | $32 | $39 | $53 | $77 |
| 1938 | D/S | -- | -- | $10.90 | $12.50 | $14 | $20.20 | $33 | $55 | $81 | $170 | $200 | $221 |
| 1938 | D/D | -- | -- | $4.90 | $6.20 | $7.30 | $9.80 | $14.10 | $31 | $45 | $60 | $95 | $134 |
Overview
The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is one of the most iconic and collectible U.S. coin designs. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the obverse features a majestic Native American portrait, while the reverse showcases a powerful American bison (buffalo). Collectors prize Buffalo Nickels for their artistic beauty, historical significance, and key date rarities, making them a staple in numismatic collections.
History of the Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel was introduced in 1913, replacing the Liberty Head (V) Nickel to modernize U.S. coinage. James Earle Fraser designed the coin to celebrate American heritage, with an obverse portrait combining features from three Native American chiefs and a reverse inspired by Black Diamond, a bison that lived in New York’s Central Park Zoo.
The Buffalo Nickel series underwent a notable design modification in 1913:
- Type 1 (1913) – Features a raised mound beneath the buffalo, but excessive wear led to a redesign.
- Type 2 (1913-1938) – The ground was flattened, and the denomination was placed in a recessed area for durability.
Production ended in 1938 when the Jefferson Nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel.
Collecting Buffalo Nickel Coins
Collectors seek Buffalo Nickels for their classic American design, early 20th-century minting history, and unique varieties. Many Buffalo Nickels were heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples highly desirable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1913 Type 1 & Type 2 – Transition year featuring both designs.
- 1913-S Type 2 – A key date with a low mintage.
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse – A rare and valuable error.
- 1918/7-D Overdate – A famous variety where 1917 was overpunched with 1918.
- 1921-S – A key low-mintage issue.
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo – One of the most well-known errors, where over-polishing removed the front leg.
Additionally, collectors seek Full Horn (FH) examples, where the buffalo’s horn is fully detailed, indicating a strong strike.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Buffalo Nickels are often found at coin shops, auctions, and estate collections, though many circulated examples remain in circulation.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for complete date clarity, strong strike details, and the presence of a Full Horn on the buffalo.
- Proper Storage: Store Buffalo Nickels in airtight holders or slabs to prevent wear and oxidation.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable varieties, with overdate markings visible under magnification. The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo is one of the most famous U.S. coin errors and commands high premiums.
Investment Potential
The Buffalo Nickel is a strong investment coin, especially for key date issues and rare varieties. Coins such as the 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D Overdate, and 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo continue to appreciate in value. Full Horn (FH) examples in high grades remain in demand among collectors.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1913 Type 1 & Type 2 – Transition year, featuring mound and flat ground designs.
- 1913-S Type 2 – A rare key date with a low mintage.
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse – A well-known and valuable error.
- 1918/7-D Overdate – A rare variety where 1917 was overpunched with 1918.
- 1921-S – A tough-to-find low-mintage issue.
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo – A famous error where the buffalo appears to have only three legs.
Notable Errors
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse – Features evident doubling in the date and lettering.
- 1918/7-D Overdate – A significant overdate variety.
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo – The front leg is missing due to over-polishing of the die.
- Off-Center Strikes – Some Buffalo Nickels were struck off-center, increasing collector interest.
Design Features
The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse. The reverse showcases a large American bison based on Black Diamond, a famous bison from New York’s Central Park Zoo.
Key design modifications include:
- Type 1 (1913): Raised ground beneath the buffalo, leading to excessive wear.
- Type 2 (1913-1938): Lowered and recessed ground to protect the design.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most iconic and collectible U.S. coins, admired for its artistic beauty, unique varieties, and historical significance. Whether for investment, historical appreciation, or set building, this series remains a cornerstone of American numismatics. Understanding its rarities, design variations, and investment potential helps collectors make informed decisions when acquiring Buffalo Nickels.
