The value of a 5-cent Buffalo nickel depends on several factors, including its date, mintmark, and condition.
- Buffalo nickels in circulated condition with readable dates generally range from $1 to $3.
- Common dates in Good condition can be found for under a dollar.
- Certain dates and mintmark combinations are considered “key dates” due to their lower mintage or historical significance, making them more valuable.
- Examples:
– 1913-S Type 2 : Coins from the San Francisco Mint with the redesigned reverse.
– 1921-S : Another lower mintage coin from the San Francisco Mint.
– 1924-S: [The 1924-S Buffalo nickel] is a scarce date with relatively low mintage.
– 1926-S : The 1926-S Buffalo nickel has a particularly low mintage and is hard to find in good condition.
– 1931-S: [The 1931-S Buffalo nickel] is considered a key date.
- These key dates can be worth significantly more than common dates, especially in higher grades.
- Errors made during the minting process can also dramatically increase a Buffalo nickel’s value.
- Examples:
– 1937-D Three Legs : The Buffalo is missing its right front leg due to a die polishing error . This is one of the most famous and valuable errors.
– 1935 Doubled Die Reverse : The words “Five Cents” on the reverse appear doubled.
– 1918-D 8 Over 7 : The “8” in the date was stamped over a “7”.
– Other errors like off-center strikes, doubled dies, and the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse can also be very valuable.
- A Buffalo nickel’s condition plays a major role in its value.
- Coins in better condition (higher grades) are more valuable.
- Uncirculated or certified coins often sell for $15 to $50 or more, depending on rarity and demand.
- Well-worn coins without visible dates may be worth only 15 to 25 cents.
To determine the accurate value of your Buffalo nickel:
- Identify the date and mintmark: Look for the date on the Native American’s shoulder and the mintmark (if present) below “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse.
- Assess the condition: Examine the coin for wear, focusing on high points like the Buffalo’s horn and the Indian’s cheek.
- Check for errors: Look closely for any signs of doubled dies, missing features, or other unusual marks.
- Consult a professional: If you believe you have a valuable Buffalo nickel (especially one with errors or from a key date), consider getting it appraised by a reputable coin dealer or a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
How to tell if your Buffalo Nickel is valuable?
Collectors use the date, United States mint and condition to determine the value of Buffalo nickels. According to expert analysis, the most valuable Buffalo nickels usually have minting errors in mint condition. There is a depiction of a Native American chief on the heads side and an American bison on the tails side.
Are all 2005 Buffalo nickels worth money?
Thanks for asking. In this facility, a total number of 448,320,000 nickels were struck in 2005. Such a high mintage results in the value not more than its face value. However, when the condition is uncirculated or mint-state, the coin’s costs even more. From MS63 to MS67, the coin value ranges from $5 to $1,150.
What is a 5 cent coin with a buffalo on it?
Good point! Buffalo nickel. The Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel is a copper–nickel five-cent piece that was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser.