25 Buffalo Nickels That Could Make You Rich

25 Buffalo Nickels That Could Make You Rich – The Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, is one of the most iconic and beloved coins in American numismatics. Minted from 1913 to 1938, this coin features a striking portrait of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison (commonly referred to as a buffalo) on the reverse. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel celebrated the spirit of the American West and honored its indigenous people and wildlife.

While many Buffalo Nickels are worth only their face value—or slightly more due to their copper-nickel composition—certain rare varieties, minting errors, and high-grade specimens can command thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore 25 Buffalo Nickels that could be hiding in your collection or pocket change, waiting to make you rich.

Why Are Some Buffalo Nickels So Valuable?

Before diving into specific examples, let’s examine what makes certain Buffalo Nickels stand out:

• Rarity: Low mintage numbers, unique varieties, or production anomalies can make a coin scarce.
• Condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition are exponentially more valuable than worn ones.
• Errors: Minting mistakes like overdates, doubled dies, or planchet errors add rarity and intrigue.
• Historical Significance: Certain nickels commemorate important events, transitions, or milestones in U.S. history.
• Material Value: The copper-nickel composition of Buffalo Nickels holds intrinsic value, especially in today’s market.

Now, let’s delve into 25 Buffalo Nickels that could turn your collection into a treasure trove.

1. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel

The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is one of the key dates in the series. Early in 1913, the U.S. Mint modified the design to raise the mound beneath the bison, creating two distinct types. The Type 2 variety is rarer and more desirable.

A gem-quality example graded MS-65 sold for $4,500 in 2023. Its scarcity ensures its status as a collector favorite.

2. 1914/1913 Overdate Buffalo Nickel

The 1914/1913 Overdate Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating variety where traces of the previous year’s date remain visible beneath the current year. This error occurred when dies were reused incorrectly.

A high-grade specimen graded MS-64 sold for $10,000 in 2021. Its intriguing backstory captivates collectors.

3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel features dramatic doubling on the obverse side, particularly visible in “LIBERTY” and the date.

An exceptionally well-preserved specimen sold for $8,500 in 2022. Its eye-catching error makes it a standout piece in any collection.

4. 1918/1917-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel

The 1918/1917-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel is another fascinating overdate variety, this time originating from the Denver Mint. Traces of “1917” are visible beneath “1918.”

A high-grade example graded MS-65 fetched $15,000 at auction in 2023. Its Western provenance adds to its desirability.

5. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel had a relatively low mintage of just over 1.5 million coins, making it one of the scarcest issues in the series. Many were heavily circulated, leaving few in pristine condition.

An MS-66 example brought $12,000 in 2022. Its rarity and superior preservation contribute to its lofty price tag.

6. 1924-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1924-D Buffalo Nickel is another low-mintage issue, with only 3.8 million coins produced. High-grade examples are particularly scarce.

A specimen graded MS-65 sold for $5,000 in 2023. Its combination of rarity and condition ensures its desirability.

7. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel had a modest mintage of just over 970,000 coins, making it one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series. High-grade examples are exceedingly rare.

An MS-66 example fetched $18,000 in 2021. Its scarcity in top grades amplifies its value.

Also read – 24 Wheat Pennies That Could Be Worth Thousands

8. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel exhibits doubling on the reverse side, particularly noticeable in the bison’s tail and the denomination “FIVE CENTS.”

A gem-quality specimen graded MS-65 sold for $7,000 in 2022. Its precision doubling enhances its appeal.

9. 1936 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1936 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel is another classic doubled die error, showing significant doubling on the reverse design, especially in the bison’s tail feathers.

An MS-66 example brought $9,000 at auction. Its striking appearance ensures its popularity among collectors.

10. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in the series. This error occurred when part of the bison’s front leg was accidentally polished off during die preparation.

A high-grade specimen graded MS-65 sold for $25,000 in 2023. Its unmistakable flaw makes it a must-have for any serious collector.

11. 1917-D Obverse Mound Variety

The 1917-D Obverse Mound Variety features a raised mound beneath the bison, distinguishing it from later flat-mound designs. This transitional issue is highly prized.

An MS-65 example fetched $6,000 in 2021. Its historical significance adds to its allure.

12. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just over 4.8 million coins, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. High-grade examples are particularly rare.

A gem-quality specimen graded MS-66 sold for $7,500 in 2023. Its scarcity in pristine condition amplifies its worth.

13. 1920-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is notable for its sharp strike and lustrous surfaces. Many collectors prize it for its aesthetic beauty and relative rarity.

An MS-66 example commanded $6,500 in 2021. Its visual appeal draws admiration from enthusiasts.

14. 1923-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1923-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just over 6 million coins, but finding one in top condition is extremely difficult.

A specimen graded MS-65 sold for $5,500 in 2023. Its scarcity in high grades contributes to its value.

15. 1927-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1927-S Buffalo Nickel is another low-mintage issue, with only 1.4 million coins produced. High-grade examples are particularly scarce.

An MS-66 example fetched $14,000 in 2022. Its combination of rarity and condition ensures its desirability.

Also read – 21 Liberty Head V Nickels Every Collector Dreams Of

16. 1931-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1931-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series, with only 1.2 million coins struck. High-grade examples are exceedingly rare.

An MS-65 example brought $20,000 at auction. Its scarcity in pristine condition amplifies its value.

17. 1935-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1935-S Buffalo Nickel is notable for its sharp strike and lustrous surfaces. Many collectors prize it for its aesthetic beauty and relative rarity.

An MS-66 example commanded $8,000 in 2021. Its visual appeal draws admiration from enthusiasts.

18. 1936-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel had a modest mintage of just over 4 million coins, but finding one in pristine condition is extremely difficult.

A specimen graded MS-65 sold for $6,000 in 2023. Its scarcity in high grades contributes to its value.

19. 1937-D Regular Strike Buffalo Nickel

While not as famous as its three-legged counterpart, the 1937-D Regular Strike Buffalo Nickel is still highly valued in high grades.

An MS-66 example fetched $5,000 in 2022. Its sharp strike and luster enhance its appeal.

20. 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel

The 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel is the first variety of the series, featuring a lower mound beneath the bison. It’s highly prized for its historical significance.

An MS-65 example brought $10,000 at auction. Its transitional nature adds to its value.

21. 1914-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1914-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just over 3.5 million coins, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. High-grade examples are particularly rare.

A specimen graded MS-66 sold for $9,000 in 2023. Its scarcity in pristine condition amplifies its worth.

22. 1915-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1915-S Buffalo Nickel is notable for its sharp strike and lustrous surfaces. Many collectors prize it for its aesthetic beauty and relative rarity.

An MS-65 example fetched $7,000 in 2021. Its visual appeal draws admiration from enthusiasts.

Also read – 20 US Pennies Worth a Fortune — Check Your Jar Today!

23. 1925-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1925-D Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just over 3 million coins, but finding one in top condition is extremely difficult.

A specimen graded MS-65 sold for $5,000 in 2023. Its scarcity in high grades contributes to its value.

24. 1929-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1929-D Buffalo Nickel is another low-mintage issue, with only 1.3 million coins produced. High-grade examples are particularly scarce.

An MS-66 example fetched $12,000 in 2022. Its combination of rarity and condition ensures its desirability.

25. 1938-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1938-D Buffalo Nickel marks the final year of the series and is highly prized as a transitional issue. High-grade examples are particularly rare.

An MS-67 example brought $15,000 at auction. Its historical significance adds to its allure.

Could You Have a Fortune in Your Pocket?

While finding one of these rare Buffalo Nickels in everyday circulation is unlikely, it’s not impossible. Savvy collectors regularly search through rolls of coins, estate sales, and online marketplaces for hidden gems. If you discover a nickel with unusual markings, misalignments, or other peculiarities, consider having it appraised—it might just be worth a fortune!

Conclusion

Buffalo Nickels may seem like ordinary coins at first glance, but their potential to harbor rare and valuable errors transforms them into numismatic treasures. From the legendary 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel to the subtle charm of the 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel, each coin tells a unique story. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about your spare change, exploring these 25 Buffalo Nickels could lead to an unexpected windfall—and a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history embedded in our currency.

So grab that roll of nickels, dust off your magnifying glass, and start hunting—you never know what treasures await!