Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938)
Buffalo Nickel Values and Price Charts (1913–1938)
Complete value guide for America's most beloved nickel series, featuring current prices for key dates, varieties, and collecting strategies
Introduction
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. This iconic coin represents one of America's most beloved and recognizable coin designs, capturing the spirit of the Old West in stunning artistic detail.
Buffalo nickels remain among the most popular 20th-century United States coins, offering collectors a perfect blend of historical significance, artistic beauty, and numismatic challenge. The series spans 26 years and includes numerous key dates, varieties, and conditional rarities that provide exciting opportunities for collectors of all experience levels.
Understanding Buffalo nickel values requires knowledge of key dates, varieties, and market conditions. This comprehensive guide provides current pricing information and collecting strategies to help both novice and experienced numismatists navigate this fascinating series.
Table of Contents
Key Dates & Varieties Price Chart
The most valuable Buffalo nickels are the key dates and varieties that command significant premiums due to their scarcity. These coins represent the pinnacle of Buffalo nickel collecting and often serve as the foundation for serious collections.
Current Prices for Buffalo Nickel Key Dates, Semi-Keys, and Varieties
| Date | Variety | Price (Circulated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1913-S | Variety I, Mound | $50 |
| 1913-D | Variety II, Line | $125 |
| 1913-S | Variety II | $350 |
| 1914 | 4 Over 3 | $225 |
| 1914-D | Regular Issue | $100 |
| 1915-S | Regular Issue | $60 |
| 1916 | Doubled Die | $3,000 |
| 1918-D | 8 Over 7 | $1,250 |
| 1921-S | Regular Issue | $90 |
| 1935 | Doubled Die Reverse | $50 |
| 1936-D | 3-1/2 Legs | $550 |
| 1937-D | 3-Legged | $575 |
Buffalo nickels not included on this list are more common and worth much less in circulated grades.
Top Varieties to Watch
The 1916 Doubled Die ($3,000) and 1918-D 8 Over 7 ($1,250) represent the most valuable regular varieties in the series. The famous "3-Legged" buffalo varieties from 1936-D and 1937-D are among the most recognizable error coins in American numismatics, making them excellent targets for collectors interested in both historical significance and investment potential.
Common Buffalo Nickel Values
Most Buffalo nickels are relatively affordable in circulated grades, making the series accessible to collectors of all budgets. However, values can vary significantly based on date, mintmark, and condition.
Common Buffalo Nickel Values in Well-Worn Grades
| Date | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | $10 | Variety I |
| 1913-D | $15 | Variety I |
| 1913 | $10 | Variety II |
| 1914 | $20 | Regular Issue |
| 1914-S | $25 | Regular Issue |
| 1915 | $5 | Regular Issue |
| 1915-D | $25 | Regular Issue |
| 1916 | $5.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1916-D | $20 | Regular Issue |
| 1916-S | $12 | Regular Issue |
| 1917 | $7 | Regular Issue |
| 1917-D | $25 | Regular Issue |
| 1917-S | $28 | Regular Issue |
| 1918 | $5.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1918-D | $25 | Regular Issue |
| 1918-S | $20 | Regular Issue |
| 1919 | $2.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1919-D | $20 | Regular Issue |
| 1919-S | $15 | Regular Issue |
| 1920 | $1.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1920-D | $10 | Regular Issue |
| 1920-S | $7 | Regular Issue |
| 1921 | $4 | Regular Issue |
| 1923 | $2.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1923-S | $7.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1924 | $1.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1924-D | $10 | Regular Issue |
| 1924-S | $20 | Regular Issue |
| 1925 | $3 | Regular Issue |
| 1925-D | $12 | Regular Issue |
| 1925-S | $7 | Regular Issue |
| 1926 | $1.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1926-D | $12 | Regular Issue |
| 1926-S | $30 | Regular Issue |
| 1927 | $1.50 | Regular Issue |
| 1927-D | $4 | Regular Issue |
| 1927-S | $2 | Regular Issue |
| 1928–1937-S | $1.25 | Except 1931-S and key dates |
| 1938-D | $3 | Regular Issue |
| 1938-D | $5.50 | D Over S |
Value Factors
Common Buffalo nickels derive value from several factors beyond their base metal content. Unlike silver coins that have precious metal value, nickels rely entirely on numismatic premium. Condition is paramount – even common dates can be worth significantly more in uncirculated grades.
Proof Buffalo Nickel Values
Proof coins are made specifically for collectors and exhibit sharper details, an eye-catching finish, and are made in limited quantities. The United States Mint made only a handful of Buffalo nickels in proof before a 20-year hiatus on producing these specially struck coins.
Proof Buffalo Nickels (Average Grade Proof-63)
| Date | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Variety I, Proof | $1,350 |
| 1913 | Variety II, Proof | $1,000 |
| 1914 | Proof | $800 |
| 1915 | Proof | $900 |
| 1916 | Proof | $1,200 |
| 1936 | Proof | $1,000 |
| 1937 | Proof | $950 |
All values listed above are for coins in typical condition that are not cleaned, damaged, or otherwise impaired.
Proof Rarity
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, making complete proof sets highly sought after by advanced collectors.
Understanding Key Dates & Varieties
The most valuable coins in any series are the key dates and varieties. These are the most challenging coins to obtain regardless of their grade, and understanding what makes them special is crucial for successful collecting.
Key Dates Defined
A key date is usually a coin with a low mintage. Fewer of them were made in a particular year, which is why collectors will pay more for key date coins. Examples include the 1913-S Type II and 1914-D.
Varieties Explained
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.
Production Numbers
Much like key dates, varieties will have lower production numbers than their common counterparts. The famous 3-Legged buffalo varieties resulted from over-polishing of dies.
Authentication Important
High-value varieties like the 1916 Doubled Die and 3-Legged buffalo coins are sometimes counterfeited or altered. When investing in expensive varieties, professional authentication through services like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended to ensure authenticity and maximize future resale value.
Buffalo Nickel Series Highlights
Buffalo nickels were struck from 1913 through 1938 and are among the most popular 20th-century United States coins. 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.
Design Legacy
The iconic design by James Earle Fraser continues to inspire modern coins. The design also appears on American Gold Buffalo coins issued by the U.S. Mint since 2006, the first .9999 fine gold coins produced annually by the mint.
Collector Appeal
Many older numismatists can still recall when Buffalo nickels made regular appearances in circulation. These beautiful nickels are widely collected by hobbyists of all ages and experience levels.
Investment Potential
Buffalo nickels offer collectors limitless opportunities for numismatic challenges both great and small. Most are quite affordable, yet several rarer pieces are very valuable, providing excellent diversification options.
Modern Connection
Thanks to their recognizable design, Gold Buffalo coins remain popular with both collectors and investors. This popularity is no doubt inspired by the history and symbolism of the original Buffalo nickel, while the much more affordable five-cent nickels remain among the most avidly collected U.S. coins.
Collecting Tips & Strategies
The Buffalo nickel series is expansive, encompassing 71 regular-issue nickels along with major varieties and seven proofs. Building a successful collection requires strategy, patience, and understanding of market dynamics.
Strategic Collecting Approaches
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:
Condition Standards
Most Buffalo nickels only really become collectible when the date is at least partially visible. This basically translates into an example grading About Good-3 to Good-4.
Full Horn Premium
Many hobbyists prefer that the bison exhibits a full horn. This important detail is usually seen at a grade of Very Fine-20 or higher, commanding significant premiums.
Quality Focus
Regardless of the coin's grade, the nicer the piece, the stronger chance it improves in value down the line. High-quality coins are simply more desirable than subpar pieces.
Type Set Alternative
Consider building a type set with one example of each major design type rather than attempting a complete date set. This approach offers excellent value and educational benefit.
Grade Rarity Focus
In circulated condition, only a handful of Buffalo nickels are truly scarce and expensive. Conversely, the majority of dates are quite pricey in uncirculated condition, particularly in grades of MS-64 or better.
Eye Appeal Matters
Numismatists always find more satisfaction with coins boasting high-quality surfaces and overall excellent eye appeal. Focus on coins with strong strikes and attractive surfaces.
Modern Inspiration
Like the modern Gold Buffalo, the Indian Head nickel has inspired many fantastic items on today's bullion market. Private refineries across the United States regularly make Silver Buffalo rounds, offering collectors affordable ways to own the iconic design in precious metals.
Investment & Market Perspective
Buffalo nickels represent an excellent entry point into classic American coin collecting, offering both affordability and growth potential. The series provides diverse opportunities for collectors and investors across all budget levels.
Accessibility
Buffalo nickels vary widely in price, from as little as 20 or 30 cents for heavily worn pieces to thousands of dollars for rarities in Gem Uncirculated condition, making the series accessible to all collectors.
Market Stability
The Buffalo nickel market has shown remarkable stability over decades. Key dates and varieties have demonstrated consistent appreciation, while common dates remain affordable for new collectors.
Cultural Significance
The Buffalo nickel's iconic design continues to resonate with Americans, supporting long-term collector interest. The design's use on modern Gold Buffalo bullion coins demonstrates its enduring appeal.
Portfolio Diversification
Buffalo nickels offer excellent diversification for numismatic portfolios. Unlike silver coins that derive value from precious metal content, Buffalo nickels provide pure numismatic exposure, allowing collectors to participate in different market segments within the same portfolio.
The Buffalo nickel series continues to attract new generations of collectors while maintaining strong support from experienced numismatists. This broad appeal, combined with the series' historical significance and artistic merit, suggests continued strength in the Buffalo nickel market for years to come.