Learn What Determines the Value of a Buffalo Nickel
What are Buffalo nickels worth? Buffalo nickels’ worth can range from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the specific date, mintmark, condition, and variety. Rare errors and key dates account for the highest values.
A Buffalo nickel may look like an ordinary piece of pocket change, but certain examples are among the most valuable U.S. nickels ever struck. Identifying a scarce date, mintmark, major variety, or unusually well-preserved specimen can make an enormous difference in value.
Think you may have a valuable Buffalo nickel? Coinfully provides free online coin appraisals with no obligation to sell.
Coinfully’s team of numismatic experts, including Douglas Winter, who has contributed to A Guide Book of United States Coins since 1983, evaluates value based on current market conditions so you understand what your coins are truly worth.
Table of Contents
How Much Are Buffalo Nickels Worth?
Buffalo nickels can be worth roughly $1 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Buffalo nickel value depends primarily on the date, mintmark, condition, strike quality, and whether the coin has a recognized variety or error.
Common circulated examples generally bring modest premiums, while rare dates, varieties, and high-grade specimens can command substantial prices.
Buffalo Nickel Value Chart
The chart below shows representative values by date, mintmark, and condition, along with the highest grade and corresponding value listed by NGC. Compare your coin’s date, mintmark, and grade to estimate where it falls within the range.
*The values below were sourced from NGC and are current as of late August 2026 but are subject to change.
| Year/Mint | Mintage | Good | XF | AU55 | MS65 | Highest Grade Listed |
| 1913 (Type 1) | 30,992,000 | $10 | $22 | $30 | $160 | $7,250 (MS68) |
| 1913-D(Type 1) | 5,337,000 | $17.50 | $45 | $60 | $300 | $30,000 (MS68) |
| 1913-S(Type 1) | 2,105,000 | $45 | $80 | $110 | $860 | $15,000 (MS68) |
| 1913 (Type 2) | 29,856,186 | $10 | $22.50 | $30 | $345 | $8,750 (MS67+) |
| 1913-D(Type 2) | 4,156,000 | $115 | $230 | $260 | $1,200 | $35,000 (MS68) |
| 1913-S(Type 2) | 1,209,000 | $275 | $500 | $700 | $2,800 | $40,000 (MS67+) |
| 1914 | 20,664,463 | $17.50 | $32 | $45 | $425 | $15,000 (MS67+) |
| 1914-D | 3,912,000 | $100 | $275 | $375 | $1,375 | $27,500 (MS67+) |
| 1914-S | 3,470,000 | $30 | $120 | $185 | $2,000 | $32,500 (MS68) |
| 1915 | 20,986,220 | $5 | $25 | $45 | $375 | $5,000 (MS67+) |
| 1915-D | 7,569,000 | $25 | $125 | $190 | $1,475 | $14,250 (MS67) |
| 1915-S | 1,505,000 | $50 | $450 | $650 | $3,000 | $40,000 (MS67) |
| 1916 | 63,498,066 | $4.75 | $20 | $32.50 | $265 | $17,500 (MS68) |
| 1916-D | 13,333,000 | $20 | $95 | $135 | $1,350 | $15,500 (MS66+) |
| 1916-S | 11,860,000 | $12.50 | $95 | $175 | $2,500 | $23,500 (MS67+) |
| 1917 | 51,424,019 | $5 | $20 | $40 | $500 | $9,000 (MS67+) |
| 1917-D | 9,910,000 | $20 | $195 | $300 | $1,900 | $27,000 (MS67) |
| 1917-S | 4,193,000 | $32.50 | $235 | $440 | $3,200 | $28,000 (MS67) |
| 1918 | 32,086,314 | $7.50 | $50 | $110 | $1,000 | $45,000 (MS67+) |
| 1918-D | 8,362,000 | $30 | $270 | $425 | $2,925 | $10,000 (MS66+) |
| 1918-S | 4,882,000 | $20 | $250 | $525 | $9,500 | $35,000 (MS66) |
| 1919 | 60,868,000 | $2.50 | $27.50 | $47.50 | $500 | $20,000 (MS68) |
| 1919-D | 8,006,000 | $25 | $250 | $535 | $6,000 | $20,000 (MS66+) |
| 1919-S | 7,521,000 | $12.50 | $270 | $475 | $10,000 | $65,000 (MS66) |
| 1920 | 63,093,000 | $2 | $20 | $50 | $700 | $6,300 (MS67) |
| 1920-D | 9,418,000 | $15 | $300 | $435 | $4,750 | $155,000 (MS67) |
| 1920-S | 9,689,000 | $7.50 | $200 | $350 | $9,000 | $57,500 (MS66) |
| 1921 | 10,663,000 | $5 | $70 | $115 | $860 | $6,000 (MS67+) |
| 1921-S | 1,557,000 | $80 | $950 | $1,500 | $9,250 | $22,000 (MS66) |
| 1923 | 35,715,000 | $3 | $25 | $50 | $550 | $15,000 (MS67+) |
| 1923-S | 6,142,000 | $10 | $260 | $425 | $5,000 | $38,500 (MS66+) |
| 1924 | 21,620,000 | $3 | $30 | $60 | $800 | $11,000 (MS67) |
| 1924-D | 5,258,000 | $12.50 | $250 | $425 | $4,000 | $13,000 (MS66) |
| 1924-S | 1,437,000 | $30 | $950 | $1,950 | $12,500 | $90,000 (MS66+) |
| 1925 | 35,565,100 | $3 | $25 | $40 | $325 | $17,500 (MS67+) |
| 1925-D | 4,450,000 | $20 | $200 | $400 | $4,000 | $12,000 (MS66) |
| 1925-S | 6,256,000 | $7.50 | $200 | $375 | $19,000 | $50,000 (MS66) |
| 1926 | 44,693,000 | $1.25 | $20 | $35 | $230 | $6,000 (MS67+) |
| 1926-D | 5,638,000 | $15 | $200 | $300 | $4,100 | $35,000 (MS67) |
| 1926-S | 970,000 | $30 | $900 | $3,000 | $70,000 | $135,000 (MS66) |
| 1927 | 37,981,000 | $2 | $20 | $35 | $280 | $4,250 (MS67) |
| 1927-D | 5,730,000 | $3.50 | $100 | $175 | $4,250 | $22,500 (MS66) |
| 1927-S | 3,430,000 | $3 | $135 | $400 | $13,000 | $72,500 (MS66) |
| 1928 | 23,411,000 | $2 | $15 | $30 | $295 | $12,000 (MS67+) |
| 1928-D | 6,436,000 | $2.50 | $50 | $65 | $515 | $18,000 (MS67) |
| 1928-S | 6,936,000 | $2.50 | $47.50 | $160 | $2,800 | $25,000 (MS67) |
| 1929 | 36,446,000 | $2 | $17.50 | $35 | $280 | $8,000 (MS67) |
| 1929-D | 8,370,000 | $2.50 | $35 | $65 | $1,000 | $17,500 (MS67+) |
| 1929-S | 7,754,000 | $2 | $22.50 | $50 | $425 | $15,000 (MS67+) |
| 1930 | 22,849,000 | $2 | $20 | $35 | $250 | $10,000 (MS67+) |
| 1930-S | 5,435,000 | $2 | $22.50 | $45 | $500 | $25,000 (MS67+) |
| 1931-S | 1,200,000 | $17.50 | $40 | $60 | $325 | $17,500 (MS67) |
| 1934 | 20,213,003 | $2 | $15 | $30 | $215 | $5,250 (MS67+) |
| 1934-D | 7,480,000 | $2 | $27.50 | $50 | $530 | $11,500 (MS66+) |
| 1935 | 58,264,000 | $1.25 | $5 | $15 | $130 | $25,000 (MS68) |
| 1935-D | 12,092,000 | $1.25 | $25 | $47 | $325 | $20,000 (MS67+) |
| 1935-S | 10,300,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $25 | $195 | $7,000 (MS67+) |
| 1936 | 118,997,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $15 | $85 | $16,500 (MS68) |
| 1936-D | 24,814,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $25 | $95 | $30,000 (MS68) |
| 1936-S | 14,930,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $20 | $95 | $3,250 (MS67+) |
| 1937 | 79,480,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $15 | $50 | $8,000 (MS68) |
| 1937-D | 17,826,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $15 | $60 | $10,000 (MS68) |
| 1937-S | 5,635,000 | $1.25 | $6 | $15 | $65 | $14,000 (MS68) |
| 1938-D | 7,020,000 | $2.50 | $6 | $15 | $50 | $4,000 (MS68) |
Buffalo Nickel Key Dates
Low mintages, poor survival rates, distinctive design varieties, and unusual strike characteristics can all contribute to a date’s scarcity and value. Some key dates are difficult to find even in circulated grades, while others become particularly valuable in higher condition.
Key dates and varieties include:
- 1913 Type 1 & Type 2: The 1913 Type 1 is the only Buffalo nickel with the original mound reverse, while the Type 2 introduced the recessed ground line that became standard for the rest of the series.
- 1913-S Type 2: This issue is notable for its unusually sharp relief and having the third lowest mintage in the series.
- 1916 Double Die Obverse: The strongest diagnostics appear in the date, feathers, and hair ribbon. Examples can be worth between $3,000 and $235,000, depending on condition.
- 1918-S: The 1918-S is known for striking problems that can leave the date, LIBERTY, and reverse lettering poorly defined.
- 1921-S: Its distinctive scarcity makes it an important target for collectors pursuing a complete date-and-mintmark set.
- 1924-S: The 1924-S is particularly notorious for weak strikes and uneven surface quality. Coins with a fully defined horn, bold date, and strong reverse lettering are scarce.
- 1926-S: This coin had the lowest mintage in the series. Sharply struck specimens with minimal marks are hard to find as grade increases.
- 1931-S: This issue had the second lowest mintage and is one of the final major keys before production resumed at higher levels.
Notable Buffalo Nickel Errors and Varieties
Some of the most valuable Buffalo nickels aren’t rare because of their date alone but because of unusual minting errors that occurred during production. These flaws, often only visible under magnification, are sought after by coin collectors for their rarity, mystery, and uniqueness.
- 1916 Double Die Obverse: This error occurred when the die was accidentally engraved twice, creating a doubled image most visible on the date, feathers, hair ribbon, and the word LIBERTY. A genuine 1916 doubled die is extremely rare, especially in higher grades, and can be worth as much as $235,000.
- 1918/7-D Overdate: One of the most dramatic overdates in U.S. coin history, this Denver-minted coin shows a faint “7” under the “8” in the date that was caused by reusing a 1917 die in 1918. It’s highly collectible and rare, worth up to $400,000 in MS65+.
- 1936-D Three and a Half Legs: A partially polished die at the Denver mint resulted in the buffalo’s front leg being mostly removed. This error is a favorite among enthusiasts and commands as much as $30,000.
- 1937-D Three Legs: One of the most famous buffalo nickel errors, this Denver issue is the result of over-polishing a die, which erased one of the buffalo’s front legs entirely. Despite the flaw, details remain sharp elsewhere. An example in pristine condition could be worth as much as $110,000.
- Off-Center Strikes: An off-center strike happens when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned in the press, causing the design to appear shifted or incomplete. The degree of misalignment can affect the value, with dramatic off-center strikes being most desirable to collectors.
Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
The most valuable Buffalo nickels combine exceptional rarity with either a recognized minting variety, a scarce date, or preservation at the highest grades. The examples below include major errors and key dates whose top listed values range from $50,000 to $400,000.
*Auction results can vary, and recent or future sales may exceed the values listed below.
- 1918/7-D Overdate: Up to $400,000
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse: Up to $235,000
- 1920-D: Up to $155,000
- 1926-S: Up to $135,000
- 1937-D Three Legs: Up to $110,000
- 1924-S: Up to $90,000
- 1927-S: Up to $72,500
- 1919-S: Up to $65,000
- 1920-S: Up to $57,500
- 1925-S: Up to $50,000
What Determines the Current Value of Buffalo Nickels?
Buffalo nickel values reflect several interacting factors, with date and mintmark establishing a coin’s relative scarcity and grade determining how much of that scarcity remains in collectible condition.
Strike quality, surface preservation, and recognized varieties can further separate otherwise similar coins in value.
Date and Mintmark
The date identifies the specific issue, while the mintmark distinguishes Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco production.
Because production and survival varied substantially by mint and year, two Buffalo nickels with identical designs can differ significantly in scarcity. Philadelphia issues have no mintmark; D and S appear below FIVE CENTS on the reverse.
Coin Condition or Grade
Grade measures a coin’s remaining detail and surface preservation, but Buffalo nickels require particular attention to strike quality.
Weakly struck examples can lack detail even without significant wear, especially at the horn, head, date, and LIBERTY. A sharply struck coin with clean surfaces can therefore command a substantial premium at the same nominal grade.
Rarity and Errors
Rarity encompasses both surviving population and the availability of examples in a particular grade, while recognized errors and varieties add another layer of scarcity.
Major varieties such as doubled dies, overdates, and die-state errors can carry premiums far beyond their underlying date-and-mintmark value, provided the attribution is genuine.
For instance, Coinfully recently appraised a 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel graded AU58 and determined the current approximate value to be $2,200.
Buffalo Nickel History
The U.S. Mint introduced the Buffalo nickel in 1913 to replace the Liberty Head nickel after its 25-year design period had elapsed.
Sculptor James Earle Fraser created the distinctly American design, featuring a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse.
Production began with a raised-mound reverse, but the denomination wore rapidly, prompting the Type 2 redesign later in 1913. Buffalo nickels were struck through 1938, when the Jefferson nickel replaced them.
Buffalo Nickel Design
The obverse features a detailed portrait of a Native American with a feather in his hair, based on a composite of three American Indian leaders, and the word “LIBERTY” on the upper right and the date at the lower left.
The reverse shows a buffalo standing on a mound or line, depending on the type. Letters beneath the bison indicate the mint.
“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is found along the top edge, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is located above the buffalo, which is technically an American bison.
The coin weighs 5 grams, has a diameter of 21.2 mm, and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel with a smooth edge.
Key Details To Check
When examining a Buffalo nickel, pay particular attention to the date, mintmark, horn, and feather detail.
A fully legible date establishes the issue, while a clear D or S can identify a scarcer mintmark variety. Sharp definition in the horn and feathers can also indicate stronger strike quality and better preservation.
Where To Sell Buffalo Nickels
You can sell Buffalo nickels at a local coin shop or through venues such as online marketplaces, auction houses, and specialized coin-buying services.
To ensure you receive a fair price, always evaluate potential buyers for transparency, clear communication, fees, secure transactions, reputation, and numismatic expertise.
How Coinfully Can Help
Coinfully offers free, zero‑pressure online or at‑home coin appraisals (for qualifying collections). If you’re lucky enough to have a rare Buffalo nickel in your collection, an online sale eliminates the need to travel with valuables, as it can be completed from your home.
Coinfully offers sellers a market-leading price for rare coins and a streamlined process for selling coins online.
Coins shipped to Coinfully are fully insured through Lloyd’s of London, and packages are opened under 4K security cameras. Coinfully verifies most collections within one business day, and payouts are usually issued within 24 hours.
Coinfully is an ANA Member Dealer, PCGS Authorized Dealer, NGC Authorized Dealer, and CAC Authorized Dealer with an A+ BBB rating and holds a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot across 235 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Nickel Value
How much are Indian head nickels worth?
Indian Head nickels refers to Buffalo nickels, the official denomination struck from 1913 through 1938. Typical examples carry modest premiums, but scarce dates, mintmarked issues, major varieties, and exceptional grades can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Are buffalo nickels silver?
No. Buffalo nickels contain 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a total weight of 5 grams. Their value comes from collectible scarcity, condition, and varieties rather than precious-metal content, so their composition doesn’t give them the same bullion value as silver coins.
Are buffalo nickels worth anything today?
Yes. Even a worn Buffalo nickel can have collectible value if its date remains readable. Scarce dates and mintmarks may be worth substantially more, while major varieties and errors can bring much higher premiums. Dateless examples generally have considerably less numismatic value.
How much is a circulated buffalo nickel worth?
The value of circulated buffalo nickels depends heavily on the date, mintmark, remaining detail, and presence of recognized varieties. Common worn examples may bring a modest premium, while scarce issues such as the 1913-S Type 2 or 1926-S can be worth considerably more.
How much is a full date buffalo nickel worth?
A full-date Buffalo nickel is generally more desirable because the date allows the specific issue to be identified and valued. A readable date can reveal a scarce year or mintmark that would otherwise be impossible to attribute, potentially turning a worn coin into a significant collectible.
