Buried in old coin jars and tucked away in family heirlooms, Buffalo Nickels are among the most nostalgic and collectible US coins ever minted. But here’s the secret—some of these nickels are worth thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars today. Ready to uncover which ones could turn spare change into a small fortune? Let’s dive into the list every collector needs to see.
What Are Buffalo Nickels?
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American on the obverse and a majestic American buffalo on the reverse. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it’s celebrated for its artistry and deep symbolism of American heritage.
The History Behind the Buffalo Nickel
First issued in 1913, the Buffalo Nickel replaced the Liberty Head Nickel. Its bold design captured the spirit of the early 20th century. However, due to minting challenges and rapid wear, the design changed mid-year, creating two major varieties: Type 1 (raised mound) and Type 2 (flat ground). These variations, combined with low mintages, birthed several rare Buffalo Nickels that collectors chase today.
Why Buffalo Nickels Are So Valuable
What makes certain Buffalo Nickels valuable isn’t just age—it’s a mix of mint errors, low production numbers, condition, and unique varieties. Some coins were minted only in the thousands, while others feature striking anomalies that make them one-of-a-kind treasures.
Top 10 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
1. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
One of the lowest-mintage Buffalo Nickels ever. Scarce and highly sought after. Value: $10,000+ in high grades.
2. 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
A fascinating overdate error where “7” overlaps with “8.” Collectors adore this variety. Value: $3,000–$50,000+.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A minting error removed one leg from the buffalo. Among the most famous error coins. Value: $1,500–$100,000.
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
Extremely low mintage—only 970,000 made. Tough to find in great condition. Value: $1,000–$20,000.
5. 1914-D Buffalo Nickel
A scarce early Denver issue that’s hard to locate in Fine condition or better. Value: $500–$10,000.
6. 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
A key date for Type 2 sets with strong demand among series collectors. Value: $1,000–$10,000.
7. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
Weakly struck and hard to find sharply detailed, making high-grade examples valuable. Value: $1,000–$7,500.
8. 1915-S Buffalo Nickel
A tough San Francisco mint issue with relatively low survival rates. Value: $700–$6,000.
9. 1917-S Buffalo Nickel
Early S-Mint issue often found heavily worn. High-grade examples command strong prices. Value: $500–$5,000.
10. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
Distinct doubling on “FIVE CENTS” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” A favorite error variety. Value: $500–$3,000.
Overview of Top 10 Valuable Buffalo Nickels
| Coin Name | Year | Special Feature / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel | 1913 | Low mintage | $10,000+ |
| 1918/7-D Overdate Nickel | 1918 | Overdate error | $3,000–$50,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel | 1937 | Missing leg error | $1,500–$100,000 |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | 1926 | Scarce mint issue | $1,000–$20,000 |
| 1914-D Buffalo Nickel | 1914 | Early Denver issue | $500–$10,000 |
| 1913-D Type 2 Nickel | 1913 | Rare Type 2 variety | $1,000–$10,000 |
| 1924-S Buffalo Nickel | 1924 | Weak strike | $1,000–$7,500 |
| 1915-S Buffalo Nickel | 1915 | Low survival rate | $700–$6,000 |
| 1917-S Buffalo Nickel | 1917 | Early San Francisco mint | $500–$5,000 |
| 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Nickel | 1935 | Doubling on reverse | $500–$3,000 |
Collector Tips for Buffalo Nickels
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Check Mintmarks | Look for “D” or “S” under the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. |
| Spot Errors Carefully | Doubling or missing legs increase rarity dramatically. |
| Grading Matters | Coins graded by PCGS or NGC sell for more. |
| Avoid Cleaning Coins | Cleaning reduces value significantly. |
| Store Properly | Use holders to prevent wear or oxidation. |
Expert Tips for Collectors
To spot a truly valuable Buffalo Nickel, focus on mintmarks, strike details, and overdates. Seek out uncirculated or certified examples—condition dramatically influences price. Always buy from reputable dealers or auction houses to ensure authenticity.
FAQs
Q: Are Buffalo Nickels still found in circulation?
A: Rarely, but older rolls or inherited collections sometimes contain hidden gems.
Q: What’s the rarest Buffalo Nickel?
A: The 1913-S Type 2 and 1918/7-D Overdate top most collectors’ wish lists.
Q: Should I get my Buffalo Nickel graded?
A: Yes. Professional grading from NGC or PCGS boosts credibility and market value.
Conclusion: Your Chance at Hidden Treasure
The Buffalo Nickel series tells the story of American history in metal form—rugged, bold, and full of surprises. From the Three-Legged 1937-D to the elusive 1913-S Type 2, each coin carries a tale of artistry and rarity. Check your old coin stash—you might just be holding a valuable Buffalo Nickel worth thousands.