The value of a Buffalo nickel varies significantly based on factors such as the year of minting, mintmark, condition, and the presence of any errors or varieties.
- Common Dates (Circulated): Values for most circulated Buffalo Nickels range from approximately $2 to $50, depending on the condition (“Good” to “Fine”).
- Uncirculated Common Dates: Uncirculated or certified coins in excellent condition can command $100 to $300 or more.
- Rare Dates and Varieties: Some Buffalo nickels are exceptionally valuable, fetching thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Several key dates and varieties are particularly sought after by collectors and fetch significantly higher prices:
- 1916 Doubled Die: This error, featuring a doubled image on the date and “LIBERTY,” is extremely rare and can be worth over $280,000 in high grades.
- 1918/7-D Overdate: A rare Denver-minted coin showing a faint “7” under the “8” in the date, it can be worth up to $350,000.
- 1936-D Three and a Half Legs: A partially polished die resulted in the buffalo appearing to have three and a half legs. This error can be worth between $16,000 and $21,000.
- 1937-D Three Legs: Over-polishing at the Denver mint removed one of the buffalo’s legs entirely, making this a famous error, with uncirculated specimens fetching over $8,000. Another example in mint state sold for $65,000. In general, 1937-D three legged varieties are valued between $2,700 and $5,700.
- Date and Mintmark: Certain dates and mintmark combinations (Denver “D”, San Francisco “S”) are rarer due to lower mintages.
- Condition (Grading): The coin’s grade (ranging from Poor to Mint State) significantly impacts its value, with uncirculated and well-preserved examples being most valuable.
- Rarity and Errors: Errors like doubled dies or overdates can drastically increase a coin’s value.
- Demand: Popularity and historical significance also play a role in a coin’s value.
Note: Always consult a reputable coin dealer or grading service for an accurate appraisal of your Buffalo nickel.
How much is my Buffalo coin worth?
Great question! Buffalo Nickel Value
Values for the common dates usually range from $2-$50 in “Good” condition up to $100-300 or more in uncirculated condition. As always, we advise you to seek out the help of a numismatic professional when determining the value of your coin.
Is a 2005 Buffalo coin worth anything?
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.
Is the Buffalo coin rare?
Great question! The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was first minted in 1913. While most Buffalo Nickels are sought after by collectors, a handful from the 1913 series stand apart as some of the rarest coins in American history. Only five Liberty Head Buffalo Nickels were ever officially made.