Buffalo Head Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel (or Indian Head Nickel) was the design of the US 5 cent coin from 1913 to 1938, and while this coin was only minted for 25 years it is still possible to find them in circulation. These coins do not contain any silver or gold, and as a result feature relatively stable prices. Buffalo nickel values reflect the huge demand for this highly popular coin. Minted from 1913 through 1938, the Buffalo nickel has a particularly romantic lore attached to it, largely due to the fact that the coin has a rugged, all-American design, which was created by James Earle Fraser.

• Buffalo Nickels

Buffalo nickel values reflect the huge demand for this highly popular coin. Minted from 1913 through 1938, the Buffalo nickel has a particularly romantic lore attached to it, largely due to the fact that the coin has a rugged, all-American design, which was created by James Earle Fraser. The obverse of the Buffalo nickel, values of which range from $1 to thousands of dollars, features an image of a Native American that is considered to be the composition of several individuals, including Two Moons, Iron Tail, and Big Tree, according to accounts from Fraser.

On the reverse is the coin’s famous bison – commonly referred to as a buffalo. The model for the beastly figure on the reverse of the coin was Black Diamond, an American bison that resided at the Central Park Zoo. Some numismatic scholars theorize that the bison model may have actually been a herd leader at the Bronx Zoo named, appropriately, Bronx.

No matter who the models were for the Buffalo nickel, what is known is this – these coins are highly popular among collectors. Buffalo nickel values are usually $1 to $3 for common, worn specimens. However some Buffalo nickels, such as the 1913-D Type II, 1913-S Type II, 1914-D, 1915-D, 1921-S, 1926-S, and 1937-D 3-legged variety are quite rare. Values for these key-date Buffalo nickels reach into the thousands of dollars.

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90

The 1913 nickel value ranges from $7 for a well circulated coin to over $460 for the rare 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel in 'Uncirculated' condition.

With an exciting start, a new design change began in 1913 introducing the Buffalo nickel. The beginning of a popular series with collectors and dealers.

What makes this year unique in the series are the different variations of the coin. It was minted at three different mints, each with two distinct varieties. Combined, the 1913 nickel has six different possible value scales.

And just to make it interesting, the condition of your coin further affects value within each nickel type.

Starting with the value chart, let's go through these variables and discover how much your 1913 Buffalo nickel is worth.

Buffalo nickels in 1913 were produced by three mints.

Mintmarks were placed on the reverse of the coins to identify the mint of origin, 'S' for San Francisco and 'D' for Denver. The main mint in Philadelphia did not use a mintmark.

Achieving High 1913 Nickel Value

The Buffalo nickel series is avidly collected and 1913 nickels are important to any collection. Demand for examples in an excellent state of preservation has pushed 1913 nickel value for these gems to over $600.

Gem Buffalos are best described as... No wear, full strike bringing up all details of design, outstanding eye appeal and the slightest of contact marks to the surface. Such a coin is very rare, reflected in the price.

Past auction records have seen a few of these elite condition coins realize as high as $1,000. Achieving the best 1913 nickel value is a combination of date, mintmark and finding a coin in higher than average condition.

Also, two different varieties of reverse designs were part of the 1913 nickel. The Type I, raised ground reverse and Type II, with 'Five Cents' recessed into the ground. Determining if your coin is Type I or Type II raises or lowers the value.

Grade Accurately For Highest Value

The second half of your value investigation is judging the condition of your buffalo nickel and determine its grade.

As seen in the chart a difference in 'Grade' produces a large swing in the 1913 nickel value.

Indian Head Nickel Ebay

Uncirculated: The ultimate grade to a collector. A nickel in this condition shows absolutely no evidence of wear, it appears brand new. Mint luster covers the entire surface of the coin.

Examine the high points of the Indian's cheek and front leg and hip of the buffalo for a dulling of luster, indicating wear.

Extremely Fine: As a coin circulates friction begins to show as a slight loss of detail on the hair braid of the Indian and upper front leg of the Buffalo. Although wear is noticeable your nickel still appears sharp and crisp, and a desirable coin.

Fine: Also a collectable grade for a 1913 nickel, the coin has a pleasing but worn appearance. A full bold date with legends separated from the rims, increases this grade from a lesser one. Design details are visible on both the Buffalo and Indian.

Good: A well worn coin defines this example. The date is readable although a merging of numbers is typical. Further wear of the rim, merges it into the lettering of the legends. Only major details of design remain on the obverse and reverse, producing a distinct flattening of appearance.

Coin Values CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Buffalo Nickel Value
1913 to 1938

Check all your buffalo nickel values with the chart. Rising prices, increasing demand from both collectors and rare coin dealers requires a second look at your coins.

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