Unveiling the 9 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels: Buffalo nickels, officially known as Indian Head nickels, are among the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. Minted from 1913 to 1938, these five-cent pieces feature a rugged depiction of a Native American on the obverse and a majestic American buffalo on the reverse. While many Buffalo nickels are common, certain rare dates, minting errors, and well-preserved examples can fetch astonishing prices at auctions.
In this article, we will unveil the 9 most valuable Buffalo nickels, highlighting their unique attributes and what makes them prized collectibles.
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Table of Contents
- 1 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
- 2 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
- 3 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
- 4 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
- 5 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
- 6 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- 7 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
- 8 1936-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- 9 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- 10 Table – 9 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
- 11 FAQs About Buffalo Nickels
1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
In 1913, Buffalo nickels were struck in two designs. The Type 1 featured the buffalo standing on a raised mound, while the Type 2 had a revised reverse where the ground was flattened to prevent excessive wear on the “FIVE CENTS” inscription.
The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel is one of the rarest in the series, with fewer than 1.2 million minted. Finding one in uncirculated condition is nearly impossible, and high-grade specimens can sell for over $100,000.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse
One of the most striking errors in the Buffalo nickel series is the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse variety. The doubling is evident in the date and the Native American’s facial features.
This variety is extremely scarce, and even lower-grade examples command high prices. A well-preserved specimen can bring in $300,000 or more at auction.
1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
A significant overdate error occurred in 1918, when dies originally prepared for 1917 were repurposed for 1918, leading to the 1918/7-D overdate variety.
With fewer than 40 known high-grade examples, this coin is one of the most famous errors in U.S. coinage history. Prices for high-quality specimens have surpassed $350,000.
1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo nickel is rare due to its low mintage of 1.5 million. Many were poorly struck and suffered heavy circulation, making high-quality examples extremely valuable.
A well-preserved 1921-S Buffalo nickel in mint condition can sell for upwards of $80,000.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1924-S Buffalo nickel had a mintage of only 1.4 million, and like many early San Francisco-minted nickels, it was weakly struck and heavily circulated.
High-grade specimens are exceptionally rare, and uncirculated examples have fetched more than $100,000 at auction.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo nickel is the lowest mintage regular-issue coin in the entire series, with only 970,000 produced.
Finding one in high grade is a major challenge. A well-preserved 1926-S Buffalo nickel can command prices exceeding $150,000.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse
One of the most noticeable doubled die varieties in the Buffalo nickel series is the 1935 Doubled Die Reverse. The doubling appears on the inscriptions “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
High-grade examples of this variety can fetch between $40,000 and $80,000.
1936-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Perhaps the most famous variety of all Buffalo nickels, the 1936-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel was created due to over-polishing of the die, which resulted in the removal of the buffalo’s front right leg.
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This intriguing variety is highly sought after, with high-grade examples selling for over $100,000.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Similar to the 1936 version, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel is a result of excessive die polishing. This variety is more common but still incredibly valuable.
A pristine example of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel has been known to sell for upwards of $70,000.
Table – 9 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $100,000+ | Revised reverse with flattened ground. |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | Philadelphia | $300,000+ | Strong doubling in date and Native American’s face. |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | Denver | $350,000+ | Overdate error (1918 over 1917). |
| 1921-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $80,000+ | Low mintage and weak strikes. |
| 1924-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $100,000+ | Low mintage and heavy circulation. |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $150,000+ | Lowest mintage of the series (970,000 minted). |
| 1935 Doubled Die Reverse | Philadelphia | $40,000 – $80,000 | Doubling on “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES”. |
| 1936-D Three-Legged Buffalo | Denver | $100,000+ | Missing front right leg due to die over-polishing. |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo | Denver | $70,000+ | Similar to 1936 version, missing front right leg. |
Buffalo nickels remain one of the most iconic and collectible U.S. coin series. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding these valuable varieties can help you identify hidden treasures in your collection. With some of these nickels fetching six-figure prices at auctions, checking your old coin rolls or inherited collections might just lead to an unexpected windfall.
FAQs About Buffalo Nickels
1. How can I tell if I have a valuable Buffalo nickel?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and error varieties such as doubled dies or overdates. Using a magnifying glass can help you spot details.
2. Where is the mint mark located on a Buffalo nickel?
The mint mark (if present) is located on the reverse, just below the “FIVE CENTS” inscription. “D” stands for Denver, and “S” stands for San Francisco.
3. How should I store valuable Buffalo nickels?
Use protective holders, coin flips, or certified coin slabs to prevent damage and oxidation.
4. What makes the 1936 and 1937 Three-Legged Buffalo nickels so special?
These varieties resulted from die polishing errors, making them unique among the series and highly desirable for collectors.
5. Are Buffalo nickels still found in circulation?
It is extremely rare to find one in circulation today, but it is still possible, especially in older coin collections or estate sales.
