Most nickels you find in pocket change are worth five cents. A very small number of Buffalo nickels can be worth thousands or even more. This guide shows how to spot the valuable varieties, how grading affects price, and practical steps to take if you discover one.
Why the Buffalo Nickel Can Be Valuable
The Buffalo nickel, struck from 1913 to 1938, has many varieties and errors collectors chase. Value depends on rarity, condition, and collector demand.
High-grade coins or unusual die errors can push value far above face value. Some specimens have reached seven-figure prices at auction when rarity and condition align.
Key value drivers for a Buffalo nickel
- Rarity: low mintage numbers or scarce surviving examples.
- Condition: uncirculated coins graded high by PCGS or NGC are worth more.
- Varieties and errors: overdates, repunched mint marks, and die breaks draw collectors.
- Provenance: coins with documented history may fetch a premium.
Famous Buffalo Nickel Varieties to Watch
Some named varieties consistently attract high prices. Learn the common ones so you can quickly spot potential value.
Notable varieties
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo — A famous error caused by excessive die polishing that removed one of the buffalo’s legs. High-grade examples are highly collectible.
- 1918/7-D Overdate — An overdate where a repunched date shows the earlier year beneath the 1918. These are rare and attractive.
- 1913-S Type 2 — Early issues from San Francisco can be scarce in high grade.
- 1914-D and other lower-mintage years — Low original mintage and wear make these tougher to find.
How to Check a Buffalo Nickel You Find
Follow a few simple steps to identify potential value. Avoid cleaning the coin — cleaning can destroy value.
Step-by-step checklist
- Look at the date and mint mark (reverse under the mound). Note any doubled or strange digits.
- Examine details: hair lines on the Indian, the buffalo’s shoulder and tail for die breaks or missing leg.
- Compare to reference images online or in a guidebook that shows varieties.
- Do not scrub or polish the coin. Put it in a soft flip or coin envelope to protect it.
- Consider professional grading for high-grade or rare-looking pieces.
Grading and Authentication
Value jumps significantly with grade. Grading services like PCGS and NGC assign grades that collectors trust. An MS65 coin can be worth many times an MS60 example.
Authentication is essential for errors and high-value pieces. Expert graders can confirm whether a supposed variety is genuine or a post-mint alteration.
How Much Could a Rare Buffalo Nickel Be Worth?
Values vary widely. Many rare Buffalo nickels sell in the hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. The most famous error and top-grade examples can reach six or seven figures at auction.
Price depends on market demand at the time of sale. Provenance, grade, and verification affect final auction results.
What To Do If You Think You Found a Valuable Buffalo Nickel
Take calm, practical steps. Rushing or improper handling can reduce a coin’s value.
Practical steps
- Handle by edges only and avoid touching surfaces.
- Place the coin in a soft holder or flip; don’t tape or glue anything to it.
- Research similar varieties online and in price guides to get a rough idea.
- If it looks rare or high-grade, submit it to a reputable grading service for authentication.
- For sale, consult auction houses that handle rare U.S. coins or work with a trustworthy dealer.
Case Study: A Pocket Find That Needed Careful Steps
A collector in Ohio noticed an unusually worn 1937 nickel with part of the buffalo’s leg missing. Instead of cleaning it, they placed it in a flip and compared photos online. The coin resembled the 1937-D three-legged variety, so they sent it to a grading service. After authentication, the coin drew buyer interest from collectors and sold through a specialist auction house. Careful handling and professional grading preserved the coin’s value and maximized the sale price.
The Buffalo nickel is also called the Indian Head nickel and was designed by James Earle Fraser. The famous 1937-D three-legged variety was caused by overpolishing the die, which removed part of the buffalo image.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many collectors lose value through avoidable mistakes. Be aware of the most frequent errors.
What not to do
- Do not clean or polish a coin to make it look shiny.
- Do not accept quick lowball offers from unknown buyers for obvious rarities.
- Avoid uncertified high-value claims without third-party authentication.
Summary: Practical Advice for Finding Hidden Value
Most Buffalo nickels are commonplace, but a few can be worth far more than face value. Learn the key varieties, protect any find by handling it correctly, and get expert authentication when needed.
With the right steps you can turn a simple pocket discovery into a well-documented sale that reflects the coin’s real market value.