The Buffalo Nickel is widely beloved among coin collectors and numismatists for its distinctive design and historical significance. Its unique combination of artistry and symbolism makes it a sought-after piece for collectors looking to add a touch of Americana to their collections. Despite being minted for a relatively short period, the Buffalo Nickel remains a highly popular and valuable coin in the numismatic world.
Whether you are a seasoned coin collector or a beginner looking to start your collection, acquiring and understanding the value of Buffalo Nickels can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
Buffalo Nickel Value
The value of a Buffalo Nickel can vary depending on several factors, including the condition of the coin, the year it was minted, any special errors or varieties, and the overall demand in the market. Buffalo Nickels in better condition, such as those that have retained their original luster and details, are generally more valuable than coins that are worn or damaged. Rare dates and mint marks can also significantly increase the value of a Buffalo Nickel.
The current value of the Buffalo Nickel can range from $17.50 to $155,000.
What Are Buffalo Nickels?
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin that was issued by the United States Mint between 1913 and 1938. The coin was designed by American sculptor James Earl Fraser and features a profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse.
The Buffalo Nickel was eventually replaced by the Jefferson Nickel in 1938. Buffalo Nickels have become highly collectible because of their rarity and historical significance. Its unique design and rich history make it a valuable piece of American numismatic heritage. The design has even become popular on commemorative coins and the gold American Buffalo coins.
How to Tell if Your Buffalo Nickels are Rare
The value of a Buffalo Nickel often depends largely on its rarity. A number of factors can affect a Buffalo Nickel's rarity, including the year it was minted, the condition of the coin and any errors or variations that may exist.
The first thing you should do when determining the rough value of your Buffalo Nickel is to look it over and take note of the condition of the coin (luster, presence of marks or damage to the coin), all mint markings and the date. Make sure to look for mint errors because coins with rare mint errors can be the most valuable collectible coins.
One of the rarest and most valuable Buffalo Nickels is the 8 Over 7 Buffalo Nickel from 1918, named for a date overstamp error. This just means that the mint stamped the 1918 date over an already stamped 1918. This is an extremely rare error and these coins were only produced in the Denver mint.
If you want to sell your Buffalo Nickels, you may have to get their condition professionally graded. Coins in pristine condition can sell for 50 times more than others in poor condition. The condition affects Buffalo Nickels more than other coins. Uncirculated Buffalo Nickels are extraordinarily rare because most of them were circulated long before they could be picked up by collectors.
Check out Benzinga's guide on circulated vs. uncirculated coins to learn more about coin grading.
How Much are Buffalo Nickels Worth?
Now that you have given your Buffalo Nickels a good hard look, search for similar coins that have sold recently. Make sure you have a good idea of the condition of the coin first. Coins are graded in tiers of Mint State, About Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good, Good and About Good. Each tier has a specific definition, so they aren't too difficult to classify. For example, About Circulated means that the coin has traces of light wear on the high points of the coin's design.
While recent sales can be a decent indicator of what your coin might be worth roughly, it's far from perfect. It's not hard to overestimate the condition of your coin or misidentify mint marks as errors. If you want a more accurate estimate, you will likely have to see a professional coin grader.
Other Interesting Collectible Coins
Here are some of the most popular collectible coins that you might like.
American Buffalo Gold Coins
The American Buffalo coin is a popular bullion coin that uses the same designs as the Buffalo Nickel but is made out of gold. The coin was unveiled in 2006 and is made with 1 ounce of 24-karat gold. The U.S. Mint also creates proof American Buffalo Gold coins, which are struck twice to make them look extremely new and clean.
You can find American Buffalo gold coins on a few different top precious metals platforms like Advantage Gold and American Hartford Gold.
Silver Mercury Dimes
Silver mercury dimes were minted in the United States from 1916 to 1945. They are called Mercury Dimes because the depiction of Liberty on the front of the coin wearing a Phrygian cap was confused with the Roman god Mercury. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Mercury Dimes have become extremely popular collectible items because of their unique design and long history, just like Buffalo Nickels.
American Gold Eagle Coins
American Gold Eagle Coins are bullion coins produced by the United States Mint, first introduced in 1986. These coins are made of 22-karat gold and come in various sizes ranging from 1/10 to 1 ounce. They are primarily used as an investment vehicle and are not intended for circulation, although they are legal tender with a face value that is significantly lower than their actual gold value.
Most precious metals dealers offer American Gold Eagle coins because they are so popular. Some of the best platforms that have American Gold Eagle coins are Advantage Gold and American Hartford Gold.
Are Buffalo Nickels Worth Selling?
Buffalo Nickels may be worth selling, but likely only when they are quite rare. Most Buffalo Nickels are only worth a few dollars. Many consider them more of a collector's item than an investment or store of value. However, if you struck gold with an extremely rare Buffalo Nickel, you may be able to sell it for a pretty penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
How much is a Buffalo Nickel worth?
Is a Buffalo Nickel with no date worth anything?
A Buffalo Nickel with no visible date typically falls into the category of “cull coins,” meaning they have significant wear or damage that greatly diminishes their value compared to well-preserved examples. However, these coins can still be of interest to collectors who appreciate the character and story behind each worn coin. In some cases, the scarcity of dateless Buffalo Nickels in certain conditions can drive up their value, making them worthy additions to a collection.
About Henry Stater
Henry is an expert in all things crypto. He stays up to date with all the latest coins, platforms and technologies in the field. He has particular expertise in the burgeoning decentralized finance ecosystem and loves trying out all the new platforms. He also always follows major events in other financial markets and geopolitics as a whole, especially when an event’s effects ripple through the crypto market.