Buffalo Nickels, officially known as the Indian Head Nickels, were first minted in 1913 and are one of the most iconic coins in American numismatics. The coin was designed by artist James Earle Fraser, and its imagery of a Native American on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse has made it an enduring symbol of the American West. While the Buffalo Nickel was initially circulated in large numbers, over the years, certain varieties and rarities have made them highly sought after by collectors—and some are worth a small fortune.
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In this article, we’ll look at the 10 most expensive Buffalo Nickels, which are the epitome of rarity and value in the world of numismatics. Some of these coins can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them dream pieces for any serious collector.
Table of Contents
- 1 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel
- 2 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
- 3 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
- 4 1916 Buffalo Nickel
- 5 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
- 6 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel (With Flat Ground)
- 7 1914 Buffalo Nickel
- 8 1917-D Buffalo Nickel
- 9 1923-S Buffalo Nickel
- 10 1915-S Buffalo Nickel
- 11 Table: 10 Most Expensive Buffalo Nickels
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 FAQs:
1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel
The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel is a classic example of a coin that attracts collectors due to its distinctive design and rarity. The Type 1 variety features the buffalo with a raised mound of dirt beneath its hooves, which was quickly corrected in later versions. Despite its relatively small mintage, the 1913 Type 1 was widely circulated and is still one of the most coveted Buffalo Nickels today.
A well-preserved example of this coin can fetch upwards of $100,000 at auction, particularly if it’s graded in mint state condition. Some rare high-grade pieces have been sold for over $300,000, making this one of the most expensive Buffalo Nickels on the market.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D is another rare and highly valuable Buffalo Nickel. This coin features a “7 over 8” minting error, where the engraver inadvertently struck a 1918 die with the remnants of a 1917 die, resulting in a noticeable overdate. These types of minting errors are incredibly rare, which makes this coin highly desirable among collectors.
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The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel can command prices exceeding $200,000, with higher-quality examples reaching even higher figures. Its rarity, combined with the unique minting error, places it firmly among the most expensive Buffalo Nickels ever discovered.
1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel, minted in San Francisco, is another top contender for the most valuable Buffalo Nickel. While this coin wasn’t minted in particularly small quantities (over 1 million were produced), most examples were heavily circulated and have worn down over time.
Finding an uncirculated or high-grade specimen of this coin is incredibly rare, and those that do surface can fetch prices upwards of $150,000. The high value is primarily due to the scarcity of well-preserved 1921-S Buffalo Nickels, with some graded examples selling for even more at auctions.
1916 Buffalo Nickel
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel is another key year for collectors of the series. Its relatively high mintage means that it’s not as rare as some of the other coins on this list, but finding one in uncirculated condition is a difficult task. The coin’s design features an elegant depiction of a Native American in profile, a striking feature that makes the 1916 Buffalo Nickel highly coveted by collectors.
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Although not the rarest of the Buffalo Nickels, high-grade examples of the 1916 coin can still fetch $40,000 or more at auction, with some even selling for upwards of $50,000. These coins remain highly collectible due to their beautiful design and historical significance.
1920-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is another prime example of a coin that is highly sought after by collectors. With a mintage of just over 1 million coins, it’s one of the more moderately rare examples in the Buffalo Nickel series. However, the majority of coins from this year were heavily circulated and are now found in lower grades, making well-preserved examples exceptionally rare.
A mint state 1920-D Buffalo Nickel can easily fetch $100,000 or more, with particularly high-quality pieces surpassing that amount. This coin is a favorite among collectors for its rarity and distinctive design.
1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel (With Flat Ground)
The 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is one of the more common varieties, with a significantly larger mintage than the Type 1, but it is still considered rare in higher grades. The most notable feature of this variety is that the raised mound of dirt beneath the buffalo’s hooves has been flattened in the later design, creating a visually distinct difference.
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While this coin is not as rare as other Buffalo Nickels on this list, it remains highly valuable in high-grade conditions. Prices for uncirculated 1913 Type 2 coins can exceed $30,000, with some selling for up to $50,000 depending on the quality of the coin.
1914 Buffalo Nickel
The 1914 Buffalo Nickel may not be as rare as some other coins on this list, but it is still one of the more valuable Buffalo Nickels in the market today. With a relatively high mintage, many of the 1914 coins were worn through circulation, leaving only a few examples in pristine condition.
A high-grade or uncirculated 1914 Buffalo Nickel can easily sell for $30,000 or more, with some examples breaking the $50,000 mark at auction. This coin remains a favorite among collectors because of its design and historical significance.
1917-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is another sought-after coin, due to both its low mintage and strong demand from collectors. While it wasn’t one of the rarest mints in terms of production numbers, most of the coins were heavily circulated, leaving only a few in excellent condition.
The 1917-D coin can sell for up to $40,000 in high-grade examples, with especially pristine coins commanding much higher prices. Its status as one of the key dates in the Buffalo Nickel series makes it a must-have for collectors.
1923-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1923-S is another key date in the Buffalo Nickel series, with a relatively low mintage from the San Francisco Mint. As with many of the coins from this era, the vast majority were heavily circulated, making high-quality examples exceptionally rare.
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A 1923-S Buffalo Nickel in uncirculated condition can command prices of $50,000 or more, with the highest-quality coins reaching into the six-figure range. The 1923-S is a highly prized addition to any Buffalo Nickel collection.
1915-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1915-S Buffalo Nickel, produced at the San Francisco Mint, is highly sought after due to its low mintage and the scarcity of well-preserved examples. The combination of its historical significance and rarity makes it a valuable coin for collectors.
A 1915-S Buffalo Nickel in excellent condition can sell for over $25,000, with pristine examples reaching up to $40,000 or more. This coin remains a key date for collectors of Buffalo Nickels.
Table: 10 Most Expensive Buffalo Nickels
| Coin | Year | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel | 1913 | Philadelphia | $100,000–$300,000 | Raised ground beneath the buffalo’s hooves |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918 | Denver | $200,000+ | Overdate error with “7 over 8” |
| 1921-S Buffalo Nickel | 1921 | San Francisco | $150,000+ | Scarce in high-grade condition |
| 1916 Buffalo Nickel | 1916 | Philadelphia | $40,000–$50,000 | Elegant Native American profile design |
| 1920-D Buffalo Nickel | 1920 | Denver | $100,000+ | Low mintage and rare in mint state |
| 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel | 1913 | Philadelphia | $30,000–$50,000 | Flat ground beneath the buffalo’s hooves |
| 1914 Buffalo Nickel | 1914 | Philadelphia | $30,000–$50,000 | High-grade examples are scarce |
| 1917-D Buffalo Nickel | 1917 | Denver | $40,000+ | Rare in pristine condition |
| 1923-S Buffalo Nickel | 1923 | San Francisco | $50,000+ | Low mintage and high-grade scarcity |
| 1915-S Buffalo Nickel | 1915 | San Francisco | $25,000–$40,000 | Low mintage and historical significance |
Conclusion
Buffalo Nickels are a rich part of American numismatic history. While many of the coins in this series are still relatively affordable, some have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just getting started, finding one of these rare Buffalo Nickels could be a life-changing event. Keep an eye out for these extraordinary coins—one may be hiding in your collection or even in your pocket change.
FAQs:
What is the most expensive Buffalo Nickel?
The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel, particularly in high-grade condition, is one of the most expensive, valued at over $300,000.
Why are some Buffalo Nickels so valuable?
Rarity, minting errors, and high-grade conditions contribute to their value. Coins with low mintage or unique features are especially valuable.
How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is valuable?
Factors like the year, mintmark, and condition (such as being uncirculated) significantly impact its value.
Where can I sell my Buffalo Nickel?
Rare Buffalo Nickels can be sold at auctions, through reputable coin dealers, or numismatic events.
How much is a 1923-S Buffalo Nickel worth?
In excellent condition, a 1923-S Buffalo Nickel can fetch upwards of $50,000, with the highest-quality examples exceeding that.
