Buffalo Nickels, minted from 1913 to 1938, are beloved for their iconic design, featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and a majestic buffalo on the reverse. While most Buffalo Nickels are readily available, certain rare editions hold immense value, fetching thousands—and sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars at auction. Below, we highlight the top 10 rare Buffalo Nickels that every collector should know about.
1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is one of the most desirable coins in the series. The “Type 2” designation refers to the reverse design, where the buffalo stands on a raised mound, with “FIVE CENTS” recessed below.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco).
- Value: Up to $40,000 in excellent condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Low mintage and unique design changes make this coin highly sought after.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
This coin features one of the most notable errors in the series: a doubled die obverse. The doubling is visible on the date and letters, making it a striking find for collectors.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint).
- Value: Up to $50,000, depending on condition.
- Why It’s Rare: The doubling error makes it an iconic piece for error coin enthusiasts.
1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel is a remarkable error coin where traces of a “7” are visible beneath the “8” in the date. This occurred due to over-punching at the Denver Mint.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: D (Denver).
- Value: Up to $100,000 in high-grade condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Its unique overdate error and limited examples make it highly collectible.
1921-S Buffalo Nickel
This coin had a relatively low mintage, as demand for nickels waned in 1921.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco).
- Value: Up to $10,000 in mint condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Few uncirculated examples survived, increasing its value among collectors.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel features a fascinating error on the reverse, with doubling visible on “FIVE CENTS” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia).
- Value: $5,000 to $15,000, depending on grade.
- Why It’s Rare: Its distinct doubling makes it a top choice for error collectors.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
This low-mintage coin is among the hardest Buffalo Nickels to find, especially in high grades.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco).
- Value: Up to $50,000 in high-grade condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Only 970,000 were minted, making it a coveted rarity.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
One of the most famous error coins, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel was created due to over-polishing of the dies, removing one of the buffalo’s legs.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: D (Denver).
- Value: $7,000 to $20,000, depending on condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Its distinctive appearance and popularity make it a collector favorite.
1914-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1914-D Buffalo Nickel had a limited mintage, and few high-quality examples exist today.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: D (Denver).
- Value: Up to $10,000 in well-preserved condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Its scarcity and historical significance boost its appeal.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is another low-mintage coin that is rare in higher grades due to extensive circulation.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco).
- Value: $4,000 to $20,000 in uncirculated condition.
- Why It’s Rare: Its scarcity in good condition makes it a valuable find.
1913 Liberty Head Overstrike Buffalo Nickel
This unique coin occurs when a Buffalo Nickel was struck over a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, creating a rare and unusual error.
Key Details:
- Mint Mark: None.
- Value: Up to $25,000.
- Why It’s Rare: The overstrike error is incredibly rare and fascinating to collectors.
| Year | Type | Mint Mark | Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913-S | Type 2 | S | $40,000 |
| 1916 | Doubled Die Obverse | None | $50,000 |
| 1918/7-D | Overdate | D | $100,000 |
| 1926-S | Low Mintage | S | $50,000 |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged Error | D | $20,000 |
A Treasure in Your Collection
Buffalo Nickels are more than just coins; they’re a testament to American history and artistry. Whether it’s an overdate error like the 1918/7-D or a famous minting mistake like the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo, these coins hold immense value for collectors. Check your collection carefully—you might just observe a hidden gem.
FAQs
What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
The 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel, valued at up to $100,000.
What causes the Three-Legged Buffalo error?
Excessive die polishing removed one of the buffalo’s legs.
How can I identify a doubled die Buffalo Nickel?
Look for visible doubling on the date and lettering.
Why is the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel so rare?
Its low mintage of only 970,000 coins makes it scarce.
What should I do if I find a rare Buffalo Nickel?
Have it professionally graded to determine its value.