The 1913 Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $2,500 in high-grade mint state. As the very first year of the iconic “Indian Head” design, this coin is a favorite for families who discover old collections in their attics or jars.

Condition	1913 Type 1 Value	1913 Type 2 Value
Good (G-4)	$10 – $15	$12 – $18
Fine (F-12)	$18 – $25	$25 – $35
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$35 – $50	$80 – $110
Mint State (MS-65)	$150+	$450+

Why the 1913 Buffalo Nickel Has Two Distinct Types

If you’ve recently found a buffalo-themed coin from 1913, you might notice something peculiar about the “FIVE CENTS” text on the back. This was the inaugural year for the design created by James Earle Fraser, and it underwent a significant change just months after its release. Because there are two versions, determining the value requires you to first identify which “Type” you have in your hand.

For those who find it difficult to squint at the small details on an old, dirty coin, using a top coin identifier app can save you a lot of time and frustration. These digital tools are designed to recognize subtle variations like the ones found on 1913 nickels.

The Type 1 design features the buffalo standing on a raised mound of dirt. The words “FIVE CENTS” were placed directly on top of this mound. However, the U.S. Mint realized that because the denomination was the highest point on the coin, it would wear away quickly in circulation. To fix this, they redesigned the coin to have a flat “Type 2” line under the buffalo, placing the text in a recessed area where it was protected from wear.

While millions were minted, collectors often prefer the Type 2 because it was the design used for the rest of the series until 1938. However, because many people saved the “new” Type 1 coins as souvenirs when they first launched, high-quality Type 1 specimens are actually more common than Type 2s today. If you are unsure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you categorize your find instantly.

How to Identify 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel Value

The Type 1 nickel is easily recognizable by the grassy “mound” beneath the buffalo’s hooves. Because people were excited about this new design in 1913, many of these coins were tucked away in drawers and never spent. This means that while they are over 100 years old, they are relatively accessible to beginner collectors.

When looking at 1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 1 prices, you will notice that even in “Good” condition, they carry a premium over their 5-cent face value. Most “pocket change” finds will fall into the $10 to $20 range. The value of your coin is heavily dependent on the mint mark, which is found on the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” text.

Mint Mark (Type 1)	Average Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)	$15	$65+
“D” (Denver)	$25	$120+
“S” (San Francisco)	$50	$250+

Determining 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel Value

The Type 2 nickel is generally rarer than the Type 1, especially in high grades. By the time the Mint switched to the “flat line” design later in 1913, the initial novelty of the Buffalo Nickel had worn off, and fewer people were hoarding them. Consequently, fewer Type 2 coins survived in pristine condition.

If you find a 1913 Type 2 with a clear “D” or “S” mint mark, you could be looking at a significant payday. The San Francisco (S) Type 2 is particularly famous among collectors as a “key date” in the series. Before you get too excited, remember that many of these coins have been heavily circulated, so the date or the mint mark might be hard to see. Using the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution image analysis can help you spot these elusive details.

According to current market data for 1913 nickels, a Type 2 in Mint State 65 can reach well over $1,000 if it has been graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Even if your coin is scratched or worn, it is still a piece of American history worth far more than a modern nickel.

Condition (Type 2)	Philadelphia (No Mark)	Denver (D)	San Francisco (S)
Good (G-4)	$12	$115	$180
Fine (F-12)	$22	$175	$280
MS-63 (Choice Mint)	$165	$750	$1,850

Grading Your 1913 Nickel: What Collectors Look For

Understanding “condition” is the most important part of determining your coin’s value. A coin that looks shiny to the naked eye might actually have “harsh cleaning” marks that destroy its value, while a dark, toned coin might be considered a masterpiece by a professional grader.

For a 1913 Buffalo Nickel, the most critical areas to check for wear are the Indian’s cheekbone and the fur on the buffalo’s shoulder. On the reverse, the buffalo’s tail and the horn are also vital indicators. If the horn is completely visible, the coin is likely in “Fine” or better condition. If the horn is totally worn away, the coin is usually “Good” or “About Good.”

If you aren’t sure how to grade your coin, the CoinKnow app provides a visual reference to help you compare your coin against professional standards. This can help you decide if it is worth the $20–$50 fee to have the coin officially certified and graded.

Where to Find the Mint Mark on a Buffalo Nickel

To find the mint mark on a 1913 Buffalo Nickel, you need to flip the coin to the reverse side (the side with the bison). Look at the bottom of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” You will see one of three things:

1. A small “D”: This indicates the coin was minted in Denver.
2. A small “S”: This indicates it was minted in San Francisco.
3. Nothing: If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Denver and San Francisco coins are almost always rarer than Philadelphia coins from this era. In 1913, the San Francisco mint produced the fewest Type 2 nickels, making the “1913-S Type 2” the “Holy Grail” of this specific year. If yours has an “S” under a flat line, you should handle it with extreme care and avoid touching the surfaces with your fingers.

Common Errors and Variations of the 1913 Buffalo Nickel

Collectors aren’t just looking for Types 1 and 2; they also look for “errors”—mistakes made by the machinery at the Mint. While the 1913 doesn’t have a major recognized doubled die like the 1916 or the famous “3-Legged” variety of 1937, there are still interesting variations to watch for.

Some 1913 nickels show “clashed dies,” where the image of the buffalo’s back is faintly visible on the Indian’s face (or vice-versa). Others might have “re-punched mint marks” (RPM), where the S or D looks like it was stamped twice. These variations often command a 20-50% premium over the standard price to the right specialist buyer.

Factor	Impact on Value
Clear Date	Essential; coins with no date are worth only $1-$2.
Full Horn	Increases value by 300% compared to worn horns.
Lustre (Shine)	Needed for values above $100.

Summary: Should You Sell Your 1913 Buffalo Nickel?

If you find yourself in possession of a 1913 Buffalo Nickel, your first step should be to identify the Type (Mound vs. Line) and then the Mint Mark. Even a worn Type 1 is a great collectible. However, if you find a Type 2 with an “S” mint mark, it is worth consulting with a local coin shop or using a professional grading service.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or just someone who found a “cool coin” in a piggy bank, the 1913 Buffalo Nickel represents a beautiful era of American coinage. With values ranging from $10 to several thousands, it is always worth the time to check exactly what you have.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1913 Buffalo Nickel is Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look at the area below the buffalo on the back. If the buffalo is standing on a raised mound and the words “FIVE CENTS” are on that mound, it’s a Type 1. If the buffalo is standing on a flat line and “FIVE CENTS” is in a recessed space below that line, it’s a Type 2.

Q: Is a 1913 Buffalo Nickel with no date worth anything?

A: Buffalo Nickels are famous for the date wearing off because it was raised too high in the design. A “dateless” nickel is generally worth between $0.50 and $2.00 as a curiosity or for use in jewelry, but it loses its value as a serious collectible.

Q: Which 1913 nickel is the rarest?

A: The 1913-S Type 2 is the rarest and most valuable of the business strikes. Only about 1.2 million were minted, and very few survived in high grades.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1913 nickel?

A: The mint mark (D or S) is located on the reverse side of the coin, right below the words “FIVE CENTS” at the 6 o’clock position. If there is no letter, the coin was made in Philadelphia.