The 15 Rarest Buffalo Nickels and Their Values

Rarest Buffalo Nickels and Their Values – The Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, is one of the most iconic coins in American numismatic history. Minted from 1913 to 1938, this coin features a proud Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse—designs that celebrate the spirit of the Old West.

While many Buffalo Nickels are common and affordable, certain rare varieties and minting errors have become legendary among collectors, fetching thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

Below, we’ll explore the 15 rarest Buffalo Nickels and their values in individual paragraphs.

1. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel

The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest coins in the series, with a mintage of just 1.2 million. Its “Type 2” design corrected the initial issue of the bison standing on a raised mound, making it more durable for circulation.

High-grade examples are extremely scarce, and an MS-66 example sold for $175,000 in 2023. Its low mintage and historical significance make it a prized piece for collectors.

2. 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel

The 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating error coin caused by re-engraving a die originally intended for 1913.

A faint “3” can be seen beneath the “4,” making it a highly sought-after variety. Only a handful of these coins exist, and an AU-55 example fetched $85,000 in 2022. Its rarity and unique backstory make it a standout in the Buffalo Nickel series.

Also Read: 13 Most Valuable Nickels to Add to Your Coin Collection

3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is a striking error featuring doubling on the obverse, particularly noticeable in the word “LIBERTY” and the date.

Fewer than 20 examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest doubled die varieties. A Fine-graded example sold for $120,000 in 2023, highlighting its immense value to collectors.

4. 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel

The 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel is another overdate error, this time from the Denver Mint. A faint “7” can be seen beneath the “8,” adding to its intrigue.

This coin is exceptionally rare, with only a few dozen examples known to exist. An MS-65 example brought $150,000 in 2022, showcasing its desirability among collectors.

5. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just 1.5 million, making it one of the scarcest dates in the series. Many were heavily circulated, leaving few high-grade survivors.

An MS-65 example sold for $80,000 in 2021, reflecting its status as a key date in the series. Its low mintage and beautiful design make it a must-have for collectors.

6. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the lowest-mintage issues of the 20th century, with only 970,000 coins produced.

High-grade examples are exceedingly rare, and an MS-66 coin fetched $75,000 in 2023. Its scarcity and historical significance make it a cornerstone of any serious Buffalo Nickel collection.

7. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel features significant doubling on the reverse, particularly in the lettering.

Very few examples are known to exist, making it a hidden gem for collectors. An AU-55 example sold for $65,000 in 2023, proving its appeal as a rare and valuable error coin.

8. 1936 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1936 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel is another rare error, with dramatic doubling visible in the words “FIVE CENTS.”

Only a small number of these coins survive, and an MS-64 example brought $90,000 in 2022. Its striking error and limited availability make it a prized addition to any collection.

Also Read: 11 Most Valuable Coins Still in Circulation Today

9. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Excessive polishing of the die caused the bison to appear with only three legs, creating a quirky and highly collectible variety.

An MS-65 example sold for $100,000 in 2023, cementing its status as a numismatic legend.

10. 1918/7-S Overdate Buffalo Nickel

The 1918/7-S Overdate Buffalo Nickel is even rarer than its Denver counterpart, with only a handful of examples known to exist.

This San Francisco Mint error features a faint “7” beneath the “8,” adding to its allure. An MS-64 example fetched $110,000 in 2022, making it one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels.

11. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is a rare error featuring dramatic doubling on the obverse, particularly in the date and the word “LIBERTY.”

Fewer than 10 examples are known to exist, and a Fine-graded example sold for $130,000 in 2023. Its extreme rarity and unique appearance make it a crown jewel for collectors.

12. 1920-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just 1.6 million, making it one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series.

High-grade examples are particularly scarce, and an MS-65 example brought $95,000 in 2023. Its low production numbers and stunning design make it a highly desirable coin.

13. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of only 1.4 million, making it one of the scarcest dates in the series.

High-grade survivors are extremely rare, and an MS-66 example sold for $85,000 in 2022. Its combination of rarity and beauty makes it a favorite among collectors.

14. 1927-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1927-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just 1.2 million, and many were heavily circulated, leaving few high-grade examples.

An MS-65 coin fetched $70,000 in 2023, highlighting its status as a key date in the series. Its low mintage and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors.

Also Read: Found One? These 10 Pennies Are Worth Hundreds

15. 1931-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1931-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of only 1.2 million, making it another low-mintage issue in the series.

High-grade examples are particularly elusive, and an MS-65 example sold for $82,000 in 2023. Its scarcity and classic design make it a prized addition to any collection.

Final Thoughts

These 15 Buffalo Nickels represent some of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history. From minting errors like the Three-Legged variety to low-mintage issues and overdates, each coin tells a unique story that captivates collectors. Whether you’re drawn to their rarity, beauty, or historical significance, these treasures are sure to inspire awe and admiration. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history worth a fortune.