After the American Civil War in 1866, President Andrew Johnson sanctioned the creation of five-cent coins composed of nickel and copper. The U.S. Mint produced the charming Buffalo nickels for a brief period of 25 years. Despite this relatively short lifespan, they remain among the most cherished American coins, largely due to the symbolism tied to the nation’s heritage.
Many collectors actively seek these coins, featuring a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other, with a particular emphasis on rare pieces and errors. While the majority of these specimens typically range from $10 to $350, the Buffalo Nickels Worth Money can command prices in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Related Top 100 Valuable Pennies
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Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
The Indian Head nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, features a plain edge. This five-cent coin, made of copper and nickel, has a diameter of 0.83504 inches (21.21 mm) and weighs 0.17637 ounces (5 g).
In the lowest grade, these coins usually range from 40 cents to $2 in cost. However, particularly rare and well-preserved specimens have been known to fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.
Here is a list of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels along with their auction records:
FIVE CENTS on raised ground, type 1:
- 1913 MS 68+ – Auction record: $79,312.50
- 1913 D MS 68 – Auction record: $143,750
FIVE CENTS in recess, type 2:
- 1918/7 D MS 65 – Auction record: $350,750
- 1926 S MS 66 – Auction record: $322,000
- 1916 MS 64 DDO – Auction record: $281,750
- 1918 S MS 66 – Auction record: $125,350
- 1919 S MS 66 – Auction record: $109,250
- 1924 S MS 66+ – Auction record: $105,750
- 1935 DDR MS 65 – Auction record: $104,650
- 1937 D MS 67 (three-legged) – Auction record: $99,875
- 1925 S MS 66 – Auction record: $87,400
- 1926 D MS 67 – Auction record: $70,500
- 1923 S MS 66 – Auction record: $67,563
- 1914/3 MS 65 – Auction record: $63,250
- 1931 S MS 67 – Auction record: $63,250
- 1929 MS 67 – Auction record: $63,250
- 1915 S MS 67 – Auction record: $55,812.50
- 1918 MS 67+ – Auction record: $55,200
FIVE CENTS on raised ground, proof type 1:
- 1913 PR 68 – Auction record: $96,937.50
FIVE CENTS in recess, proof type 2:
- 1915 PR 69 – Auction record: $69,000
- 1913 PR 68 – Auction record: $66,700
1. 1918/7 D MS 65 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
In 1918, the Denver Mint produced 8,362,000 Buffalo nickels, marking the last year of World War I. However, the exact number of 1918/7 error coins struck remains uncertain. This error occurred due to imprecise craftsmanship, with the new date being struck over an existing one.
As a result, the coin’s obverse displays the number 8 struck over the 7 in the minting year. Interestingly, this error went unnoticed until Paul M. Lange presented his nickel at an auction in 1930.
Presently, finding such a coin in mint state is exceptionally rare, and even those in lower grades command high prices. The price range for most pieces falls between $1,134 to $64,395. However, the exceptionally rare 1918/7 D MS 65 Buffalo nickel set an auction record of $350,750 in 2006.
2. 1926 S MS 66 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
In 1926, the mintage of Buffalo nickels was a mere 970,000, marking the lowest production in the series. Understandably, the majority of these coins had minimal chances of remaining in mint state, but those fortunate enough to have saved one are now reaping the rewards.
Buffalo nickels in good grade typically hold a value of around $24, while those in uncirculated condition can fetch a substantial $10,502. Furthermore, a rare nickel in the MS 66 range achieved an impressive $322,000 at an auction in 2008, securing an auction record that still stands today.
3. 1916 MS 64 DDO Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
The Doubled Die Obverse error in Buffalo nickels arose from a flaw in coin die manufacturing, causing a doubling of the last two date digits. The exact number of these coins in existence remains unknown, as they circulated for years before a vigilant collector observed this imperfection.
Despite the majority of these specimens being in circulated condition, their value varies from $2,489 to an impressive $159,442. Notably, the most expensive 1916 MS 64 DDO Buffalo nickel was sold in 2004 for $281,750, setting an auction record that still holds.
4. 1913 D MS 68 Buffalo Nickel, Type 2
In 1913, on the eve of World War I, the Denver Mint produced 4,156,000 Buffalo nickels of Type 2. This marked the first production year, and the US Mint struck two-coin types, featuring denominations on both a line and a mound surface.
The adjustment in recessing addressed the issue of premature wear, making coins with the mound surface exceptionally rare in mint state today. Circulated five cents in recess typically hold a value ranging from $135 to $454. However, a highly graded specimen set an auction record, fetching $143,750 for its owner in 2008.
5. 1920 D MS 67 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Most of the 9,418,000 Buffalo nickels minted in Denver in 1920 hold a value ranging from $9.13 to $1,593, contingent on their condition. In the present day, finding these typically well-struck pieces in mint state is a rarity.
An instance of such a coin achieved a significant value at a Bowers & Merena auction. In an MS 67 grade, a collector paid $138,000 for this ruddy coin, slightly below the professional estimation that valued the coin at $155,000.
6. 1917 S MS 67 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
During World War I, the San Francisco mint crafted Buffalo nickels that were often poorly struck. As a result, encountering a well-preserved piece with intricate details is nearly impossible, fetching a value of only $24 to $507.
Uncirculated rare coins hold a value of $1,318, but some fetch as high as $28,000 in the market. The solitary coin in MS 67 achieved an astounding price of $138,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2008.
7. 1927 S MS 66* Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Although the San Francisco mint produced 3,430,000 Buffalo nickels in 1927, they are not typically considered rare. However, at a Bowers & Merena auction in 2008, one collector paid $125,350 for a high-grade specimen with the star designation.
It remains a mystery why more well-preserved coins from this minting year didn’t survive, and even the best pieces rarely command prices exceeding $2,277. Those in good condition are relatively inexpensive, available for as little as $1.71.
8. 1918 S MS 66 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
In 1918, as World War I was nearing its end and industrial production in the US shifted towards war goods, the San Francisco mint produced 4,882,000 Buffalo nickels. Despite this relatively high mintage, a low number of these coins have survived in mint state condition.
As a result, you can find pieces in good condition for as little as $16, while uncirculated ones often command prices of around $3,130. The most expensive specimen from this war year was the 1918 S MS 66 Buffalo nickel, which was sold at an auction in 2008 for an impressive $125,350.
9. 1919 S MS 66 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Only one among 7,521,000 Buffalo nickels produced in 1919 was worth $109,250. One collector paid so much for a rarely well-struck coin in MS 66 grade at Heritage Auctions in 2006.
Most others are worth only $10 to $1,981, but this one of three existing at such a high rate captivated with its slightly pink and golden toning. Be prepared that coins produced in San Francisco that year are rare in Gem condition, making them the most valuable in the series.
10. 1924 S MS 66+ Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Most of the 1,437,000 nickels struck in San Francisco in 1924 are worth $18 to $1,268 in circulated condition. Only rare pieces in the mint state typically reach $4,175 or even more on the open market.
The auction record won a specimen in MS 66+ grade when one collector paid $105,750 for it in 2016. It had hardly visible imperfections on the surfaces while details were sharp, meaning it came from a fresh die set.
11. 1935 DDR MS 65 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
The Philadelphia mint produced a substantial quantity of 58,264,000 Buffalo nickels in 1935. However, some of these coins came with a notable Double Die error on the reverse, characterized by noticeable doubling of the letters in “FIVE CENTS.”
While regular coins struck in 1935 are generally valued between $51 and $7,125, depending on their condition, this particular Double Die error piece fetched a remarkable $104,650 at a Bowers & Merena auction in 2007. Despite arising from sloppy workmanship, the uniqueness of this error made it highly precious to collectors.
12. 1937 D MS 67 Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Three-legged Buffalo nickels stand out as rare error coins produced in Denver. The exact quantity of these error pieces within the 17,826,000 standard coins produced remains unclear, but their market value has consistently been on the higher side.
Even specimens in the lowest grade command a price of $608, and those in mint state can often fetch around $5,850. The pinnacle of these ultimate demand rarities was witnessed in 2021 when one such coin was sold at Legend Rare Coin Auctions for an astonishing $99,875.
13. 1913 PR 68 Buffalo Nickel, Type 1
The Philadelphia mint produced 1,520 Buffalo nickel proofs with the raised ground in 1913. These proofs typically carry a price tag of $1,318 due to their scarcity in surviving numbers.
The scarcity becomes even more evident in the case of PR 68 grade, with only four coins known to exist in this top-tier condition. One of these exceptional pieces was auctioned at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in 2021, fetching a remarkable sum of $96,938. These coins represent the epitome of quality in the Buffalo nickel series.
14. 1925 S MS 66 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Despite a decent mintage of 6,256,000 Buffalo nickels minted in San Francisco in 1925, they are considered rare in high grades. Many experts regard these coins as the least favorable in the entire series due to the heavy wear on the dies used for their production.
While those in circulated condition are valued between $5.70 and $285, pieces in mint state command higher prices. Expect to set aside $533 to $2,058 for one in uncirculated condition. The most expensive nickel struck in 1925 is one of the rare pieces graded MS 66. At an auction in 2009, a collector paid a substantial $87,400 for this exceptional coin.
15. 1913 MS 68+ Buffalo Nickel, Type 1
The Philadelphia mint produced Buffalo nickels in 1913 with the FIVE CENTS inscription on the raised ground only for this year. This design was subsequently replaced with a line type due to the original design wearing too quickly.
Most of the 30,992,000 struck nickels from this year are valued between $13 and $67 on the current coin market. However, some well-preserved pieces can command even higher prices, reaching up to $27,500. The highest-quality nickel from this year was one graded MS 68+, which was sold for $79,312.50 at an auction in 2021.
16. 1926 D MS 67 Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
The Denver mint produced 5,638,000 poorly struck nickels in 1926. Many of these nickels are heavily worn, typically valued between $11 and $350. If you’re looking for nickels in mint state condition, you can expect to pay between $400 and $530. The most valuable among them was the 1926 D MS 67 Buffalo nickel, which fetched $70,500 at an auction in 2020.
17. 1915 PR 69 Buffalo Nickel, Type 2
The Philadelphia mint produced only 1,050 proof Buffalo nickels in 1915, and you can find most of the survived pieces for $1,134 on the current coin market. However, one collector paid $69,000 for the only specimen in PR 69 condition at Bowers & Merena auction in 2005.
18. 1923 S MS 66 Buffalo Nickel
The 6,142,000 coins minted in San Francisco in 1923 were poorly struck, making it challenging to find exceptional pieces. Those in low grades are typically valued between $9.13 and $454, while mint state specimens may cost between $658 and $1,028.
However, collectors have been known to pay up to $38,500 for exceptional pieces offered on the open market.
The most expensive nickel minted in 1923 was a premium Gem with silver-apricot patina, sold for $67,563 at Heritage Auctions in 2013.
19. 1913 PR 68 Buffalo Nickel, Type 2
These relatively rare proof coins, struck in the Philadelphia mint in 1913, are typically valued at $1,318.
The high price is attributed to the low mintage of only 1,514 pieces.
One of the only four specimens in PR 68 grade fetched an incredible $66,700 at an auction in 2005.
A collector couldn’t resist its bright satin finish and golden highlights on the surfaces.
20. 1914/3 MS 65 Buffalo Nickel
Only a few 4 over 3 Buffalo nickels appeared among the 20,664,463 regular coins struck at the Philadelphia mint in the first war year.
While most were valued between $255 and $7,130, depending on condition, the most expensive piece fetched $63,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2002.
This Gem, with golden-gray toning and without carbon flecks and abrasions, became a prized collector’s item.
Summary
The production of Buffalo nickels by the US Mint spanned 25 years, but their minting process was plagued by numerous issues. The poorly resolved design contributed to excessive wear on most of these coins.
Out of the 1.2 billion produced, only a limited number of specimens remain in mint condition, adding to their value and collectibility.