Buffalo Nickels, minted between 1913 and 1938, are some of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. Featuring the majestic buffalo on one side and a Native American on the other, these coins hold both historical and monetary value.
While most Buffalo Nickels are common, some rare editions can be worth thousands of dollars, making them a collector’s goldmine. If you’ve got a coin collection, there might just be a treasure hiding in plain sight.
Below is a detailed list of the top 10 Buffalo Nickels that could fetch you a fortune and how to identify them.
1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the series. Type 2 refers to the coin’s reverse design, where the buffalo is standing on a raised mound with “FIVE CENTS” recessed below. This version had a low mintage, making it extremely valuable.
Value: In excellent condition, it can fetch up to $40,000 or more.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel features one of the most notable minting errors—a doubled die obverse. The doubling is most visible on the date and letters, making it an exciting find for collectors.
Value: These rare nickels can sell for as much as $50,000, depending on their condition.
1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Overdate is a fascinating coin where the “7” under the “8” in the date is visible. This occurred due to an over-punching error at the Denver Mint, making it an extremely rare collectible.
Value: A high-quality example of this coin can sell for $100,000 or more.
1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel had a relatively low mintage, as demand for nickels dropped during this year. Coins in good condition are rare and highly valued among collectors.
Value: Expect values of up to $10,000 in mint condition.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel contains a minting error where the reverse shows doubling, particularly on “FIVE CENTS” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Collectors prize these coins for their unique look and rarity.
Value: These can sell for $5,000 to $15,000, depending on their grade.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is rare because of its incredibly low mintage. Only 970,000 coins were struck, making it one of the hardest Buffalo Nickels to find, especially in higher grades.
Value: High-grade examples can be worth $50,000 or more.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is famous for its minting error, where one of the buffalo’s legs appears missing. This was caused by excessive die polishing. It is one of the most well-known error coins.
Value: These coins are valued at $7,000 to $20,000, depending on condition.
1914-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1914-D Buffalo Nickel is another rarity, with limited mintage numbers at the Denver Mint. Few examples have survived in excellent condition, making this a collector’s gem.
Value: A well-preserved coin can sell for up to $10,000.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel had a very low mintage, and due to circulation wear, high-grade examples are exceedingly rare. This coin is a top find for any collector.
Value: Prices range from $4,000 to $20,000 in uncirculated condition.
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. It is one of the most fascinating Buffalo Nickel variants.
Value: Its rarity makes it worth up to $25,000 or more.
| 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 |
If you’ve got a collection of Buffalo Nickels, take a closer look. These rare coins may be hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered. From minting errors to low production years, every coin tells a unique story and offers the possibility of an incredible payday for collectors.
How can I identify a rare Buffalo Nickel?
Look for mint marks, errors like doubling or missing legs, and coins from low-mintage years. Grading your coin can also confirm its rarity and value.
Where can I sell my rare Buffalo Nickel?
You can sell through reputable auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces specializing in numismatics.
What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
The 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel is among the most valuable, with high-quality examples selling for over $100,000.
