Ever found an old coin with a Native American face on one side and a buffalo on the other? That’s a Buffalo nickel, and believe it or not, it could be worth much more than five cents! Let’s explore why some of these coins are super valuable and how you can find out what yours is worth.
What Is a Buffalo Nickel?
Buffalo nickels, also called Indian Head nickels, were made in the U.S. from 1913 to 1938. They were replaced by Jefferson nickels later on.
History and Design
These coins were designed by James Earle Fraser. The front (heads side) shows a Native American man. The back (tails side) has a bison, often mistaken for a buffalo (but they’re actually different animals!).
Why People Like Them
Collectors love these coins because of their strong American look and history. Also, many old ones have worn-down dates, so finding one in good shape is a big deal!
What Makes Buffalo Nickels Valuable?
Not all Buffalo nickels are valuable. But some can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on a few things.
Main Things That Affect Value
Date and Mint Mark
Some years are rarer, especially those made in San Francisco (S) or Denver (D). A 1913-S or a 1937-D with a mistake can be super valuable.
Condition of the Coin
Is the coin shiny? Can you see all the details like the feathers and buffalo horn? Coins in great shape are worth more. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect).
Rare Mistakes
Some coins were made with errors that make them rare. One example is the 1937-D “Three-Legged Buffalo”, where the buffalo is missing one leg! These coins can sell for a lot of money.
Buffalo Nickels That Are Worth a Lot
1913 Type 2
There are two types of 1913 nickels. Type 1 has the buffalo on a raised mound. Type 2 shows the buffalo on a flat ground. The 1913-S Type 2 is especially rare and can be worth thousands!
1916 Doubled Die Obverse
This coin has a date or lettering that looks blurry or doubled. It’s a minting mistake that collectors love.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
One of the buffalo’s legs is missing on this coin because the mint over-polished the die. These coins can sell for $500 to over $5,000, depending on condition!
How To Check If Your Buffalo Nickel Is Valuable
So, you’ve got a few old coins lying around. How do you know if you’ve struck gold?
Check the Date and Mint Mark
Look at the front of the coin under the date. A D means Denver, and an S means San Francisco. These can sometimes be worth more than ones without a letter (which are from Philadelphia).
Look at the Condition
Can you see the fine details like the Native American’s braid or the buffalo’s tail? If yes, that’s a good sign!
Ask a Coin Expert
Still not sure? Ask a professional coin dealer or send your coin to a grading company like PCGS or NGC. You can also post pictures in online coin forums for feedback.
Should You Keep or Sell Your Buffalo Nickel?
Now the big question—should you sell it or hold on to it?
When to Sell
If your coin is rare, in great condition, or has a minting mistake, selling could earn you a nice chunk of cash.
When to Keep
If the coin has personal meaning or you’re hoping it’ll gain value over time, you might want to hold onto it. These coins can be cool family keepsakes!
Conclusion
Buffalo nickels may look old and dusty, but some of them are real treasures. Whether you’re a beginner or just curious, learning how to spot rare coins is fun and could even earn you some money. Always check the year, mint mark, and condition—and don’t clean your coin! Cleaning can actually lower its value. Start digging through those old jars and drawers—you never know what kind of history (and money!) you might find.
FAQ’S
Q1. Are Buffalo nickels still made today?
Nope! The last one was made in 1938.
Q2. What if my Buffalo nickel has no date?
The date may have worn off. These are common but not very valuable unless they have another rare feature.
Q3. How much is a regular Buffalo nickel worth?
Most are worth between 50 cents and $2 unless they’re rare or in great condition.
Q4. Is it okay to clean a Buffalo nickel?
No! Cleaning can damage the coin and reduce its value.
Q5. What’s the easiest way to sell a valuable Buffalo nickel?
Try online auction sites, local coin shops, or certified dealers for the best price.
