The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $3,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding this iconic American coin in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery, as the “D” mint mark from Denver signifies a truly classic piece of numismatic history.

Condition	Estimated Value (Type 1)	Estimated Value (Type 2)
Good / About Good	$15 – $20	$100 – $125
Fine / Very Fine	$35 – $60	$175 – $250
Extremely Fine	$75 – $110	$350 – $450
Uncirculated (MS60+)	$150 – $3,500+	$650 – $15,000+

Understanding the Two Variations of the 1913 D Buffalo Nickel

When you first look at a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel, the most important thing to check is the reverse (the “tails” side). 1913 was the inaugural year for this design, and the U.S. Mint actually changed the design mid-year. If you are unsure which version you have, using the top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two types and provide an instant estimate of what you are holding.

Type 1 nickels feature the American bison standing on a raised mound or hill. The words “FIVE CENTS” are inscribed directly on the mound. However, the Mint quickly realized that this raised area would wear down too fast in circulation, causing the denomination to disappear. Consequently, they transitioned to the Type 2 design.

The Type 2 1913-D Buffalo Nickel features the bison standing on a flat, recessed line. By placing the “FIVE CENTS” inside a protected area, the words would last longer. Because the Type 2 Denver variety had a much lower mintage than the Type 1, it is significantly more valuable to collectors today. If you want to dive deeper into the technical pricing, checking a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel mint state price chart is a great way to see how much of a premium the Type 2 carries over the Type 1.

Key Identifying Features and the D Mint Mark Location

To confirm you have a 1913 Buffalo Nickel from Denver, you need to look for the small “D” mint mark. On these coins, the mint mark is located on the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” and the mound/line. If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is an “S,” it came from San Francisco.

James Earle Fraser designed this coin to honor the American West. The obverse features a powerful profile of a Native American man, created as a composite portrait of three different tribal leaders. Many people find these in old collections and use CoinKnow to verify the authenticity of the “D” mark, as it is a crucial factor in the coin’s price.

Collectors are especially interested in the texture of the buffalo’s fur and the details of the Native American’s braid. Because the Denver Mint was known for sometimes producing slightly “weak” strikes, finding a 1913-D with sharp hair detail and a full horn on the buffalo is a rare treat that can skyrocket the value.

The Major Price Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2

The market value for these coins depends heavily on the variation. The Type 1 Denver nickel is considered more common because over 5 million were produced. While it is still a sought-after “first year” coin, it doesn’t reach the extreme heights of the Type 2 unless it is in perfect condition.

The Type 2 1913-D is a different story. With a mintage of only 4.1 million and high wear rates, finding one in high grade is incredibly difficult. For those researching market trends, you can find a detailed breakdown of 1913 nickel values across all mints to see how the Denver Type 2 stacks up against the competition.

Mint Type	Mintage Quantity	Rarity Factor
1913-D Type 1 (Mound)	5,337,000	Moderate
1913-D Type 2 (Flat Line)	4,156,000	High

How to Grade Your 1913-D Denver Nickel

Grading is the process of determining a coin’s condition, and for a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel, it is the difference between a $20 bill and a $2,000 payday. Professional services like PCGS or NGC use a 1-70 scale, but ordinary people can estimate the grade by looking at specific high points on the coin.

In “Good” condition, the date will be visible but the rims might be slightly worn into the lettering. In “Fine” condition, the buffalo’s horn will be partially visible and the braid on the Native American will show some detail. In “Uncirculated” condition, the coin should look like it just came from the bank in 1913, with a distinct luster and no flat spots from wear.

If you are unsure about the grade, the CoinKnow app can provide a visual comparison to help you determine if your nickel is worth sending in for professional grading. Remember, even a small scratch or cleaning the coin can drastically lower its value, so never clean your old coins!

Factors That Can Increase the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Value

Beyond the standard grade, certain unique characteristics can increase the price of a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel. Rare “die clashing” or “re-punched mint marks” are niche areas where collectors are willing to pay a premium. While the 1913-D doesn’t have a major variety like the famous 3-legged buffalo of later years, a very “bold” strike is highly prized.

Environmental factors also play a role. A coin with “toning”—a natural oxidation that creates rainbow colors—can often sell for much more at auction than a standard white nickel. Collectors specifically look for the 1913-D Type 2 with a full tail and a distinct horn, as these are the first parts of the design to wear down.

Feature to Look For	Impact on Price
Full Buffalo Horn	Significant Increase (indicates higher grade)
Original Mint Luster	Massive Increase (required for MS status)
Visible “D” Mint Mark	Required (Without it, it’s a Philly nickel)

Where to Sell Your 1913-D Buffalo Nickel

Once you’ve used CoinKnow to get an idea of what your coin is worth, you might be wondering where to sell it. For lower-grade Type 1 coins, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are convenient options. However, for a high-grade Type 2 1913-D, you should consider professional auction houses.

Major auction houses ensure that your coin is seen by serious investors who understand the rarity of the Denver Type 2. Before selling, it is almost always recommended to have a coin of this caliber “slabbed” or certified by a grading service, as this guarantees the authenticity and grade to the buyer.

FAQ

Q: Why is the 1913-D nickel so much more expensive than a regular 1913 nickel?

A: The “D” signifies it was minted in Denver, which had a lower mintage than Philadelphia. Specifically, the Type 2 Denver nickel is a “key date” in the series because so few were saved in high condition.

Q: How can I tell if my 1913-D nickel is Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Turn the coin over to the buffalo side. If the buffalo is standing on a raised mound with “FIVE CENTS” on it, it’s a Type 1. If the buffalo is standing on a flat line with “FIVE CENTS” in a recessed space below the line, it’s a Type 2.

Q: Is it worth grading a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel?

A: It depends on the condition. For a Type 1, it’s usually only worth it if the coin is in Mint State. For a Type 2, it is almost always worth grading if the coin is in Fine condition or better, as it protects the value and proves it isn’t a counterfeit.

Q: I found a 1913-D nickel but the date is blurry. Is it still valuable?

A: Yes, it still holds value, but “leveled” or worn dates significantly decrease the price. A 1913-D Type 2 with a partial date can still be worth $50-$80 because of its rarity, whereas a Type 1 with a blurry date might only be worth around $10.