The Buffalo Nickel, which was minted from 1913 to 1938, has earned a reputation of being one of the most legendary American coins. Its unique design captures the spirit of early 20th-century America. It features imagery that celebrates the nation’s heritage and fascinating history.
Learn about the Buffalo Nickel’s value, its unique design elements, and what has kept it in high demand for nearly a century.
What Is the History of the Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel was designed by a sculptor named James Earle Fraser as part of a movement to make U.S. coins more artistic and meaningful.
Prior to its debut, American coins were quite simple in their design. The Buffalo Nickel brought a fresh look onto the market. Fraser drew his inspiration from Native American culture and the American West.
The coin’s front side features a Native American chief, while the reverse side displays an American bison — both powerful symbols of American identity. The coin was first minted in 1913, but its intricate design presented a few issues during production.
The raised elements incorporated into the design wore down quickly, leading to numerous modifications to help preserve the coin’s detail. The Buffalo Nickel’s design is also celebrated for its artistry and symbolism.
What Factors Affect a Buffalo Nickel’s Value?
Buffalo nickel value varies based on several factors, including its condition, rarity, the year it was produced, and any mint errors (if applicable). The coin’s value continues to rise, making it an attractive collectible item.
The condition of a Buffalo Nickel plays a major role in determining its value. Coins in excellent condition or those graded highly by reputable grading companies can carry significantly higher prices than worn-out ones. Collectors admire uncirculated Buffalo Nickels for their sharp details and stunning features.
Certain years, like the 1913 Type 1, 1918/7-D overdate, and 1937-D “three-legged” variety, are highly sought after due to how rare they are. These coins can often command a premium among collectors, especially when they’re found in decent condition.
What To Know About Collecting Buffalo Nickels
The Buffalo Nickel series includes a few notable varieties and errors that add to its appeal and value.
- 1913 type 1 vs. type 2: The 1913 Buffalo Nickel was minted into two different types. Type 1 features the bison on a raised mound, while Type 2 features the bison on a flat plain. Type two was introduced to prevent early wear.
- 1937-D “three-legged” Buffalo Nickel: Perhaps the most popular error, the 1937-D “three-legged” Buffalo Nickel was created when a Mint worker accidentally removed one of the bison’s legs while polishing the die. This error is very valuable and can sell for thousands of dollars if the coin is in top condition.
- 1918/7-D overdate: The 1918/7-D is an error where the current year was mistakenly stamped over the previous year. This overdate mishap adds significant value, as collectors are willing to pay a premium for this mistake.
How To Care for Buffalo Nickels
Proper care can preserve the value of Buffalo Nickels, especially if they are in higher grades or feature certain rare varieties. Buffalo Nickels should be stored in a dry environment, ideally in secure coin holders or capsules, which help prevent oxidation and other types of wear.
Professional grading and encapsulation can further protect higher-value coins. Cleaning certain coins, on the other hand, can significantly reduce their value. In fact, cleaning is discouraged for Buffalo Nickels, as it can cause design details to wear down quickly and lower the coin’s collectible appeal.
What To Know About Buffalo Nickel Value by Year
Each year of the Buffalo Nickel series is unique, with some years commanding higher prices than others. Some of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels are from the Denver and San Francisco Mints. These coins are scarce, particularly in higher grades, which makes them quite valuable to collectors.
Some years saw lower production numbers, which increased the scarcity and value of the Buffalo Nickels produced in those years. For example, the 1926-S is a low-mintage year, and in good condition, it can command a decent premium.
To this day, the Buffalo Nickel remains one of the most collected U.S. coins due, in large part, to its historical significance.
Buying and Selling Buffalo Nickels
For collectors interested in purchasing or selling Buffalo Nickels, understanding the best methods for buying and selling these coins can help maximize their value.
Reputable dealers, online auction sites, and virtual marketplaces are all common sources for purchasing and selling Buffalo Nickels. Selling Buffalo Nickels can be profitable, especially if they are in stellar condition.
Coin shows, dealers, and auctions are excellent venues for selling, with auctions often commanding top prices for rare varieties. Before selling, inspect the coin’s condition or have it graded professionally by a reputable company. Accurate grading helps ensure sellers receive fair prices based on current market conditions.
The Buffalo Nickel’s intricate design, historical significance, and purchase potential have made it a favorite among collectors for many generations. The coin captures a special part of American history, reflecting on both Native American culture and the American frontier. Its timeless design has maintained a high level of popularity since it was introduced.
Buffalo Nickels have been collected and admired since they first began to circulate, with many today still seeking to complete the entire series for their precious metals collection.
Some Buffalo Nickels, especially rare ones or those with errors, can offer unique financial opportunities. Thanks to increasing demand and limited availability, these coins can be valuable portfolio additions.
Final Thoughts
American Hartford Gold is a trusted source for purchasing nickels and other collectible coins, boasting a commitment to authenticity, fair pricing, and client satisfaction.
We provide our clients with access to high-quality coins, including sought-after ones. Each coin is carefully vetted for quality, ensuring clients receive genuine, well-preserved pieces.
The Buffalo Nickel represents a testament to American history and artistic innovation wrapped up in a coin design. From its bison and Native American imagery to the errors that make it unique, the Buffalo Nickel holds immense value for collectors and clients alike.
Whether you’re seeking a single rare variety of coin or looking to expand your portfolio with a Gold IRA, American Hartford Gold offers products with both historical charm and financial appeal.
Sources:
James Earle Fraser | American Art
