Buffalo Nickel (1913 - 1938) Price Guide & Values

The Buffalo Nickel, a beloved American coin, captivates collectors with its iconic design and rich history.

This guide explores the values, key dates, and fascinating aspects of this numismatic treasure.

Design Variations

The Buffalo Nickel features two distinct designs:

  • Type I (1913): The buffalo stands on raised ground.
  • Type II (1913-1938): The ground beneath the buffalo is recessed.

This design change occurred early in 1913, making Type I coins from that year particularly intriguing to collectors.

Key Dates and Rarities

Certain Buffalo Nickels stand out for their rarity and value:

  • 1913-S Type II: A scarce first-year issue.
  • 1916/16 Doubled Die Obverse: A dramatic error coin.
  • 1918/7-D Overdate: A fascinating die variety.
  • 1921-S: Low mintage and often poorly struck.
  • 1924-S: Challenging to find in high grades.
  • 1926-S: The lowest mintage of the series.
  • 1937-D 3-Legged: A famous and popular error.

These coins often command premium prices, especially in higher grades.

Mintages and Scarcity

The rarest regular issue Buffalo Nickels are:

  • 1926-S: Only 970,000 minted
  • 1931-S: 1,200,000 minted

These low numbers contrast sharply with more common dates, which often saw mintages in the tens of millions.

Notable Errors and Varieties

Error coins add excitement to Buffalo Nickel collecting:

These errors often sell for multiples of their normal-date counterparts.

Grading Buffalo Nickels

Key factors in grading include:

  • Date visibility: Often weak, especially on worn coins.
  • Buffalo horn detail: A key indicator of wear.
  • Feather details on the Indian's headdress.
  • Overall wear on high points of the design.

Accurate grading is crucial for determining a coin's value.

Price Guide by Grade

Prices vary widely based on date, mintmark, and condition:

  • Common dates in Good (G-4): $1-$2
  • Key dates in Good (G-4): $20-$500
  • Common dates in Mint State (MS-65): $100-$300
  • Key dates in Mint State (MS-65): $5,000-$100,000+

The 1937-D 3-Legged in MS-65 can exceed $100,000.

Factors Affecting Value

Several elements influence a Buffalo Nickel's worth:

  • Date and mintmark: Rarer combinations command higher prices.
  • Condition: Better-preserved coins are more valuable.
  • Strike quality: Well-struck coins are more desirable.
  • Market demand: Popularity affects prices.

Collecting Strategies

Collectors often pursue these goals:

  • Complete date and mintmark sets: A challenging but rewarding quest.
  • Type sets: Acquiring Type I and Type II examples.
  • Error and variety collections: Focusing on the unusual and rare.

Each strategy offers unique challenges and rewards.

Conservation and Storage

Proper care preserves both the coin's condition and value:

  • Handle coins by their edges to avoid damaging surfaces.
  • Use non-PVC holders or albums for storage.
  • Store coins in a cool, dry environment.

These practices help maintain a coin's grade and value over time.

Authentication Concerns

Be aware of potential issues:

  • Added mintmarks: Fraudulently added to increase apparent value.
  • Altered dates: Changed to resemble rarer dates.
  • Counterfeit key dates: Fake versions of valuable coins.

Professional grading services can help authenticate valuable specimens.

Market Trends and Investment Potential

The Buffalo Nickel market has shown steady growth. Key dates and high-grade examples have appreciated significantly, attracting both collectors and investors.

Notable Collections and Sales

Remarkable Buffalo Nickel sales include:

  • 1918/7-D in MS-65: Sold for $350,750 in 2006.
  • 1916 Doubled Die Obverse in MS-64: Achieved $281,750 in 2008.

These sales highlight the potential value of exceptional Buffalo Nickels.

Resources for Collectors

Valuable resources for Buffalo Nickel enthusiasts:

  • "The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels" by David W. Lange
  • Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) website
  • American Numismatic Association (ANA) events and publications

These resources provide in-depth information and market insights.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Nickel continues to captivate collectors with its artistic design and historical significance.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a curious beginner, this series offers a rewarding collecting experience filled with challenges, discoveries, and potential rewards.

Buffalo Nickels were minted throughout the following years:

1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938.



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