Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (2024)

Updated: October 25, 2022

Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

Published: March 27, 2020

The Buffalo nickel was the United States five cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938. Its name comes from the buffalo (i.e. American bison) pictured on the reverse design.

##Current Prices for Buffalo Nickel Key Dates, Semi-Keys, and Varieties (Chart)##

DateVarietyPrice
1913-SVariety I, Mound$50
1913-DVariety II, Line$125
1913-SVariety II$350
19144 Over 3$225
1914-Dn/a$100
1915-Sn/a$60
1916Doubled Die$3,000
1918-D8 Over 7$1,250
1921-Sn/a$90
1935Doubled Die Reverse$50
1936-D3-1/2 Legs$550
1937-D3-Legged$575

Buffalo nickels that are not included on the list above are more common. They are worth much less in circulated grades.

Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (3)

Circulated Buffalo nickels. Image: CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

##Other Buffalo Nickel Values (Chart)##Here's what the more common Buffalo nickels are worth in well-worn grades.

DatePriceNotes
1913$10Variety I
1913-D$15Variety I
1913$10Variety II
1914$20n/a
1914-S$25n/a
1915$5n/a
1915-D$25n/a
1916$5.50n/a
1916-D$20n/a
1916-S$12n/a
1917$7n/a
1917-D$25n/a
1917-S$28n/a
1918$5.50n/a
1918-D$25n/a
1918-S$20n/a
1919$2.50n/a
1919-D$20n/a
1919-S$15n/a
1920$1.50n/a
1920-D$10n/a
1920-S$7n/a
1921$4n/a
1923$2.50n/a
1923-S$7.50n/a
1924$1.50n/a
1924-D$10n/a
1924-S$20n/a
1925$3n/a
1925-D$12n/a
1925-S$7n/a
1926$1.50n/a
1926-D$12n/a
1926-S$30n/a
1927$1.50n/a
1927-D$4n/a
1927-S$2n/a
1928–1937-S$1.25Except 1931-S and others listed above
1938-D$3n/a
1938-D$5.50D Over S

##Proof Buffalo Nickel Values (Chart)##Proof coins are made specifically for collectors. They exhibit sharper details, an eye-catching finish, and are made in limited quantities.The United States Mint made a handful of Buffalo nickels in proof before a 20-year hiatus on producing these specially struck coins.By the time the U.S. Mint resumed making proof coins in 1936, the Buffalo nickel series was already winding down. In all, there are only seven different proof issues among all Buffalo nickels.Here's a look at the different proof Buffalo nickels and what they're worth in an average grade of Proof-63:

DateTypePrice
1913Variety I, Proof$1,350
1913Variety II, Proof$1,000
1914Proof$800
1915Proof$900
1916Proof$1,200
1936Proof$1,000
1937Proof$950

*All values listed above are for coins in typical condition that are not cleaned, damaged, or otherwise impaired. Pieces that are cleaned or otherwise damaged are worth less than the values listed above.*###A Note About Valuable Coins###The most valuable coins in a given series are the key dates and varieties. These are the most challenging coins to obtain regardless of their grade.A "key date" is usually a coin with a low mintage. Less of them were made in a particular year. This is why collectors will pay more for key date coins.Varieties are subsets of a given year's issuance of a coin. Something special or out-of-place, such as an error, makes a variety stand out from the rest of the coins produced in that year.Much like key dates, varieties will have lower production numbers than their common counterparts.The preceding price chart is a list of those pieces for the Buffalo nickel series and what they're worth in well-circulated condition.##Buffalo Nickel Series Highlights##Buffalo nickels were struck from 1913 through 1938. They are among the most popular 20th-century United States coins around.The coin depicts a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison (or "buffalo") on the reverse. This five-cent coin is beloved for its [classic Old West imagery](products/171040/the-hunter-1-oz-silver-round-gainesville-coins-exclusive).

Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (4)

1913 Type I (Mound) Buffalo nickel. Image: USA CoinBook

Many older numismatists can still recall when Buffaloes made regular appearances in circulation. These beautiful nickels are widely collected by hobbyists of all ages.In addition to its rugged [design](/category/12/silver-buffalos) by James Earle Fraser, one of the many reasons the Buffalo nickel series has enjoyed timeless appeal is its numerous key dates, semi-keys, and varieties.Buffalo nickels are sometimes known as Indian Head nickels due to the composite portrait of an American Indian chief found on the coin's obverse. This iconic design also appears on modern gold bullion coins called [American Gold Buffalos](/category/10/gold-buffalos). The Gold Buffalo has been issued by the U.S. Mint each year since 2006.

Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (5)

American Gold Buffalo coin, the first .9999 fine gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint annually

Thanks to their recognizable design, Gold Buffalo coins remain popular with both collectors and investors. This is no doubt inspired by the history and symbolism of the Buffalo nickel. Meanwhile, the much more affordable five-cent nickels are among the most avidly collected U.S. coins.Buffalo nickels offer collectors limitless opportunities for numismatic challenges both great and small. Hobbyists of all financial means can assemble a nice set of these classic coins. Most Buffalo nickels are quite common, and thus they are relatively affordable. Yet there are several rarer pieces that are very valuable. But how much is a Buffalo nickel worth?Buffalo nickels vary widely in price, from as little as 20 or 30 cents for pieces on which the date has been completely obliterated through heavy wear to thousands of dollars for rarities in Gem Uncirculated condition. ##Tips for Collecting Buffalo Nickels##The Buffalo nickel series is expansive to say the least. It encompasses 71 regular-issue nickels along with major varieties and seven proofs.In circulated condition, only a handful of Buffalo nickels are truly scarce and exorbitantly expensive.Conversely, the majority of dates are quite pricey in uncirculated condition, particularly in grades of MS-64 or MS-65 or better. There are many ways that one can build a nice collection of Buffalo nickels.

Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (6)

1935 Buffalo nickel

You can surely assemble an entire date-and-mintmark set of Buffalo nickels. Unfortunately, this is often cost prohibitive for many hobbyists, even if they’re pursuing “just” the circulated pieces. Let’s examine a few affordable alternatives to building an entire set of Buffalo nickels:

* Build a short set. Many collectors narrow down their Buffalo nickel sets to only the most common dates. This includes coins struck between 1934 through 1938.

This significantly reduces the number of coins necessary to complete a set. Oftentimes those who pursue this short set will prefer quality over quantity. That means only going after higher-grade examples.

* Assemble a year set. A collector may seek one example from each year, regardless of mintmark. This is in lieu of chasing after each date-and-mintmark combination.

You can build a set of Buffalo nickels spanning the entire series run without breaking the bank. A year set can help a collector avoid virtually all of the expensive semi-key and key dates.

* Focus on only regular-issue business strike coins (not varieties). Finishing a more challenging set complete with varieties and proofs gets very costly. Collectors may find a happy medium by building a regular-issue run of business-strikes.

This would still be a pretty expensive endeavor! But such a set lacks the super-expensive varieties such as the 1916 doubled die and 1937 3-legged nickels.

Most Buffalo nickels only really become collectible when the date is at least partially visible. Basically that translates into an example grading About Good-3 to Good-4.Many hobbyists prefer that the bison exhibits a full horn. This is usually seen at a grade of Very Fine-20 or higher.Regardless of the coin's grade, the nicer the piece, the stronger chance it improves in value down the line.Besides, high-quality coins are simply more desirable than subpar pieces. Numismatists always find more satisfaction with coins boasting high-quality surfaces and overall excellent eye appeal.

Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (7)

Buffalo silver round - Antique Finish

Like the modern Gold Buffalo, the Indian Head nickel has inspired many fantastic and artistic items on today's bullion market. In addition to a one-time commemorative Silver Buffalo coin issued by the U.S. Mint in 2001, private refineries across the United States regularly make [Silver Buffalo rounds](/category/12/silver-buffalos).Several talented medallic artists (sculptors and engravers) have even taken their inspiration from the American Buffalo theme even further. Some examples are The Hunter silver round and the Silver Buffalo round (antique finish), exclusively available for purchase at Gainesville Coins! See below:

----------*Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez is a journalist, editor, and blogger who has won multiple awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild. He has also authored numerous books, including works profiling the history of the United States Mint and United States coinage.***More related content from the Gainesville Coins blog:**[What Nickels Are Silver? - Silver War Nickels](/blog/what-nickels-are-silver)[What Is a Silver Nickel Worth? (More Than You'd Expect!)](/blog/silver-nickel-values)[15 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels](/blog/15-most-valuable-jefferson-nickels)[Top 15 Best Coins to Collect: A Definitive List](/blog/15-best-coins-to-collect)[What Dimes Are Worth Money?](/blog/what-dimes-are-worth-money)[Susan B. Anthony Dollars: Values and Series Rundown](/blog/susan-b-anthony-dollar-value)[How Valuable Are Eisenhower Silver Dollars?](/blog/eisenhower-silver-dollar-value)

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Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938) (2024)

FAQs

How can I find out how much my Buffalo Nickel is worth? ›

To find the value of your Buffalo nickel, find the date on the man's shoulder and the mintmark underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” If your coin is in mint condition, it may be worth more than if most of the detail on the coin has been worn away. Any minting mistakes can also increase its value.

How much is a 1938 D Buffalo Nickel worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2024, a Buffalo Nickel from 1938 D in circulated condition is worth between $0.50 and $20. However, on the open market 1938 D BUFFALO Nickels in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $14500.

How much can I sell my Buffalo Nickel for? ›

Popularity Amongst Collectors
DATEGOODUNCIRCULATED
1913 Buffalo Nickel (Variety I) (D)$15$60
1913 Buffalo Nickel (Variety I) (S)$45$110
1913 Buffalo Nickel (Variety II)$10$30
1913 Buffalo Nickel (Variety II) (D)$120$260
60 more rows

What are the rare Buffalo Nickel errors? ›

Typical mistakes include “Doubled Die Reverse,” “8 Over 7,” “3 or 3 ½ Legs,” and “4 Over 3” make these coins highly collectible and valuable, depending on the production date​​. These insights from experts shed light on what makes certain Buffalo Nickels particularly valuable and sought after by collectors.

What year Buffalo nickel is valuable? ›

Buffalo nickel collectors often look beyond the famous 1937-D 3-leg nickel and recognize the value of other notable pieces in the series. One of the finest examples is a nickel obverse 1916 P double die, which has sold for between $66,000 and $281,750 due to a rare die anomaly.

How much is a 1913 nickel worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2024, a Buffalo Nickel from 1913 in circulated condition is worth between $5 and $37.50. However, on the open market 1913 TYPE 1 Nickels in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $27500.

How rare is a 1938 nickel? ›

This means that the 1938 is still a fairly common coin today, in almost all grades, although it's highly unlikely that you will find one in your pocket change. In terms of strike characteristics, the United States Mint struck the 1938 Jefferson nickel in a quality that is best described as inconsistent.

How much is a Buffalo nickel worth that doesn t have a date on it? ›

A coin collector must know the date to determine its value and see if it is a rare nickel or not. For example, undated buffalo nickels are worth about $0.06 each, but only because people use them for jewelry, shirt buttons, and various other uses. All other types of nickels without dates are only worth face value.

What makes a 1937 Buffalo nickel valuable? ›

“One of the features of the Buffalo nickel series is a variety that we call a '1937 D three legged. ' It was a variety caused by over-polishing the dyes and the image looks like the buffalo is standing just on three legs. That variety is rare enough that it's sought after by collectors,” said Sorrick.

How to date a Buffalo nickel? ›

The U.S. "Buffalo" Nickel was minted between 1913 and 1938. The date was placed on a raised area beneath the image of a native American; the date was usually the first thing to disappear as a Buffalo nickel wore down in people's pockets, purses and being handled in transactions.

How much are Indian head pennies worth? ›

Indian Head Penny Values
DATEGOODEXTREMELY FINE
1863 Indian Head Penny$10$50
1864 Indian Head Penny$20$100
1865 Indian Head Penny$15$45
1866 Indian Head Penny$50$190
50 more rows

How do I know if my nickel is valuable? ›

Coin Grading

A coin's condition determines its value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect and flawless. Professional coin grading services like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS typically do the grading for coins submitted to them. The higher grade, the more the rare nickel is worth.

How do I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is worth money? ›

Buffalo Nickels in better condition, such as those that have retained their original luster and details, are generally more valuable than coins that are worn or damaged. Rare dates and mint marks can also significantly increase the value of a Buffalo Nickel.

What is the most wanted Buffalo Nickel? ›

The 10 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
  • 1924-S: $2,500 - $4,000.
  • 1937-D 3 Legs: $2,700 - $5,700.
  • 1935-P Doubled Die Reverse: $5,700 - $6,900.
  • 1914-P 4 over 3: $3,000 - $7,000.
  • 1926-S: $5,000 - $10,000.
  • 1936-D 3 and a half legs: $16,000 - $21,000.
  • 1916-P Doubled Die Obverse: $66,000 - $281,000.
  • 1918-D 8 over 7: $37,000 - $350,000.

What are the key date Buffalo nickels? ›

Some of the more noteworthy keys here include the 1916 Doubled Die, the 1918/17-D overdate, the well-known 1937-D “3-legged” variety and the lesser-known but even more valuable 1936-D with 3 1/2-legged variety.

How do I know if my 2005 Buffalo nickel is valuable? ›

Unless a 2005-D bison nickel is uncirculated, or has the “speared bison” die error, it's worth just what it says on the back: five cents. The Mint doesn't keep track of the which coin was the last one out of the press.

How do I know if my 1935 Buffalo nickel is valuable? ›

1935 Buffalo Nickel Grading

The 1935 Buffalo nickels' value directly depends on their condition determined by the time spent in circulation. The lowest grade for collectible coins is GOOD (G4), while the best-ranking circulating coins have the ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU 50) grade.

How to tell if a nickel is worth money? ›

Research the mintage figures of the specific nickel coin you are interested in to determine its rarity. Coins with unique mint mark features, such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, or other errors, can be more valuable to coin collectors.

How much is a 1923 nickel worth today? ›

Pricing the 1923 Buffalo Nickel
DATEGOODUNCIRCULATED
1923$2$35
1923 S$8$400
Source: Red Book

References

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