Buffalo Nickels are among the most iconic coins in U.S. history, known for their striking design and cultural significance. While many of these coins are valued modestly, some rare Buffalo Nickels have fetched jaw-dropping prices at auctions.
Whether due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique historical value, these nickels can be worth over $500,000. If you’re a collector or simply curious, one of these valuable coins could be hiding in your collection.
1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 1
This coin is famed for its distinctive “raised mound” design on the reverse, which was altered later in the year. Its limited minting and artistic appeal make it highly sought after by collectors. High-grade examples are especially valuable.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel features a significant doubling of the date on the obverse, making it a prominent error coin. Its rarity is amplified by the fact that few examples were discovered in high grades, driving its value into six figures.
1918/7-D Overdate
This fascinating coin showcases an overdate error, with the “7” from the previous year visible beneath the “8” in the date. Found primarily in low grades, high-quality versions are exceedingly rare and highly valuable.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is renowned for its low mintage and scarcity in higher grades. Many surviving examples show extensive wear, but uncirculated coins can fetch impressive sums at auctions.
1936 Proof Buffalo Nickel
Proof coins were first introduced in 1936, and the Buffalo Nickel Proof stands out for its sharp details and polished surfaces. This coin is highly prized by collectors due to its quality and limited availability.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
One of the most famous error coins, the 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel, resulted from over-polishing of the die. The front right leg of the buffalo is missing, creating a unique and valuable collector’s piece.
1942-D Over Horizontal D
This coin features a rare mint mark error where the “D” appears both upright and horizontally. The error has made it a favorite among error coin collectors, and high-grade examples are incredibly valuable.
| Coin Name | Year of Issue | Unique Feature | Auction Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 1 | 1913 | Raised mound design | 500,000+ |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | 1916 | Doubled date on obverse | 600,000+ |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 1918 | Overdate error | 550,000+ |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | 1926 | Low mintage | 520,000+ |
| 1936 Proof Buffalo Nickel | 1936 | Proof coin | 525,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | 1937 | Missing leg error | 510,000+ |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D | 1942 | Mint mark error | 500,000+ |
Buffalo Nickels have captivated coin collectors for decades, and their historical significance, combined with unique features, makes them an enduring treasure. Searching for these rare coins in your collection could yield an incredible discovery worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What makes Buffalo Nickels so valuable?
Buffalo Nickels gain value due to their rarity, unique errors, low mintage, or historical significance. High-grade coins or those with minting errors are particularly prized.
How can I identify an error Buffalo Nickel?
Look for unique features such as doubled dies, overdates, missing details like legs, or unusual mint mark placements. Professional grading can also confirm errors.
Where can I sell a rare Buffalo Nickel?
Rare Buffalo Nickels can be sold at coin auctions, through reputable dealers, or via online marketplaces specializing in rare coins.
