Buffalo Nickel Values by Year

Buffalo Nickel Values by Year

Buffalo nickel values have gotten complicated with all the overgraded coins and exaggerated online listings flying around. As someone who’s been collecting this series for years and has a Dansco album that’s about 80% complete, I learned everything there is to know about which dates are worth money and which are just common fillers. Today, I will share it all with you.

James Earle Fraser’s design is, hands down, my favorite five-cent piece ever made. The Native American chief and the bison capture something about America that no other coin has quite matched.

Fraser modeled the Native American from three actual chiefs — Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree. The bison on the reverse was Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo. The design intentionally celebrated the American West, breaking from the European-influenced Liberty motifs that had dominated U.S. coinage. Buffalo nickels were part of a design renaissance that started with the Lincoln cent in 1909.

The Basics You Need

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Buffalo nickels were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco from 1913 through 1938. They’re made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, measure 21.2mm across, and weigh 5 grams. The raised design looked incredible but wore down fast — dates became illegible, facial features softened, and details disappeared. That’s why well-preserved examples command premiums that would surprise most people.

Coins with D or S mint marks are generally more desirable, since San Francisco and Denver produced fewer coins than Philadelphia in most years.

The Key Dates and Varieties

The 1913-S Type 2 is a tough coin to find in nice condition. Low mintage and high demand make it one of the series anchors. The 1916/16 doubled die variety shows a faint overdate — the “6” punched over another “6” during the manual engraving process. Finding one of these in a coin shop is a real thrill.

Then there’s the famous 1937-D Three-Legged buffalo nickel. A die was over-polished at the Denver Mint, accidentally removing the bison’s right foreleg. Only a small number made it into circulation before the error was caught. These are heavily faked, so authentication is critical. I’ve seen convincing counterfeits that would fool casual collectors.

That’s what makes Buffalo nickels endearing to us collectors — every coin could potentially be a significant variety if you know what to look for.

What Drives Value

• Condition: Higher-grade coins bring bigger premiums. Mint State examples of key dates can be worth thousands.
• Rarity: Low-mintage dates and error varieties are more valuable. Scarcity creates competition among collectors.
• Historical Significance: Coins from the series’ first and last years, plus error varieties, carry extra collector interest.

Clear details are essential. Coins with readable dates, visible mint marks, and sharp features sell for more. Heavily worn coins with obliterated dates trade at the bottom of the value range. Understanding the grading scale helps you identify which coins are worth investing in.

Grading Guide

Wear on Buffalo nickels shows up first on the chief’s hairlines and the bison’s shoulder. Here’s the breakdown:

• Good (G-4): Worn flat on most surfaces. Basic outlines only. Date may be faint.
• Very Fine (VF-20): Major details clear. Some fine features fading.
• Extra Fine (EF-40): Strong detail throughout. Most features sharp.
• About Uncirculated (AU-50): Just a hint of wear. Retains much original luster.
• Mint State (MS-60+): No wear at all. These are the coins collectors dream about.

For anything you think might grade VF or above, professional grading from PCGS or NGC is worth the cost. Certified coins sell for more and sell faster.

Building Your Collection

Most collectors aim for a complete date set — one from every year the coin was struck. Others focus on key dates, errors, or high-grade specimens. You won’t find these in circulation anymore; coin shows, online auctions, and dealers are your primary sources. I’d suggest starting with common dates in moderate grades to fill the easy holes, then working toward the tougher ones as your budget and knowledge grow.

Joining coin clubs and online forums gives you access to experienced collectors who share insights, point out good deals, and help you avoid mistakes. I’ve learned more from fellow collectors than from any price guide.

Market Reality

The Buffalo nickel market stays active because the coins are beautiful, historic, and varied enough to keep things interesting. Demand drives prices for key dates and high grades. Authenticity is critical — counterfeits exist, and reputable dealers and grading services are your best defense. Track auction results to understand what buyers are actually paying versus what sellers are asking. There’s often a meaningful gap between the two.

Quick FAQ

Should you clean your Buffalo nickels? Absolutely not. Cleaning damages the surface and kills value. Natural patina is part of the coin’s character. Can you still find them in pocket change? It’s extremely unlikely, but not technically impossible. How should you store them? Cool, dry environment. Coin holders or albums. Handle by edges only. Should you insure a valuable collection? Yes — homeowner’s insurance or a specialized policy can cover numismatic collections.

Buffalo nickels deserve their reputation as one of America’s most collectible coins. The design is timeless, the history is rich, and the challenge of building a quality set keeps collectors engaged for years. If you haven’t started yet, there’s no better time.