The Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $1 in worn condition to over $100,000 for rare mint-state varieties. Whether you found one in a jar or inherited a collection, these iconic coins featuring the Native American profile and the American Bison are among the most prized treasures in American numismatics.

Key Date Buffalo Nickel	Estimated Value (Good to Choice Mint State)
1913-S Type 2	$400 – $25,000+
1918/7-D Overdate	$1,000 – $50,000+
1937-D 3-Legged	$500 – $20,000+
1921-S Buffalo	$50 – $15,000+

Identifying Your Buffalo Nickel and Its Market Value

To determine if you have a Buffalo Nickel worth money, you first need to identify the year and mint mark. These coins were minted from 1913 to 1938. If you have trouble seeing the date on a worn coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the details and compare your specimen to known high-value varieties.

Common Buffalo Nickels are usually worth about 50 cents to $2, but collectors pay a massive premium for “Key Dates”—years where very few coins were made. To get an accurate reading, many hobbyists use the CoinKnow app, which allows you to photograph your coin and instantly access a database of recent auction sales. This helps ensure you don’t accidentally spend a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

The value is also heavily influenced by the “Type.” In 1913, the first year of issue, there were two versions. Type 1 shows the buffalo standing on a mound, while Type 2 shows him on a flat line. The Type 2 is generally more valuable because the thin line caused the “Five Cents” text to wear away quickly. You can check the current 1913 Buffalo Nickel pricing data to see how the two types differ in market demand.

The Legendary 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel is perhaps the most famous error coin in American history. It was created when a mint worker accidentally polished away the front leg of the buffalo while trying to clean a damaged die. Because of this unique mistake, this specific coin remains a holy grail for everyday collectors.

If you find a 1937 Nickel with a ‘D’ mint mark, look closely at the buffalo’s front right leg. If the leg is missing but the hoof is still visible on the ground, you might be holding a coin worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on its condition. Higher grades can fetch five figures at auction.

Because this error is so valuable, many fakes exist where the leg has been filed off manually. Professional authentication is key. You can utilize CoinKnow to compare your coin against high-resolution images of authentic 3-legged nickels to spot the tell-tale signs of a genuine error.

Condition / Grade	1937-D 3-Legged Value
Good (G-4)	$450
Fine (F-12)	$650
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$1,200
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$3,500+

Early Key Dates: 1913-S Type 2 and Beyond

The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is the “King” of the regular-issue series. While the Philadelphia mint produced millions of these, the San Francisco mint produced very few Type 2 coins. Finding one in your pocket change is highly unlikely, but many have been discovered in old collections or “junk silver” bags.

Values for the 1913-S Type 2 start at $400 even in heavily worn condition. If the coin has survived in a pristine, uncirculated state, the price can skyrocket above $20,000. It is crucial to look for the ‘S’ mint mark located on the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” text.

Other early dates like the 1914-D and 1915-S also command high prices. Many people overlook these because the dates are often worn down. Using the CoinKnow digital magnifier can help you read fading numbers that are invisible to the naked eye, turning a “worthless” coin into a payday.

The 1918/7-D Overdate Error Nickel

Another massive rarity is the 1918/7-D overdate. This occurred when a 1918 die was accidentally impressed with a 1917 hub. The result is a coin where the ‘8’ in 1918 is clearly stamped over a ‘7’. This is one of the most sought-after varieties for serious collectors.

Because this error was not discovered by the public until years after it was released, most surviving examples are very worn. Even so, a 1918/7-D in “Good” condition can still sell for over $1,000. If you are lucky enough to find one with sharp details, you are looking at a highly valuable Buffalo Nickel that could pay for a vacation.

Checking for this error requires a steady hand and a magnifying glass. Look at the last digit of the date; if you see the top bar of a ‘7’ peeking out from behind the ‘8’, you have found a treasure. Always verify these through a reputable grading service or a trusted valuation tool.

Rare Date/Variety	Circulated Price	Uncirculated Price
1914-D	$80	$500+
1915-S	$50	$600+
1921-S	$60	$2,000+
1924-S	$40	$4,500+

Why Condition Matters: Grades of Buffalo Nickels

When asking “how much is my Buffalo Nickel worth,” the answer usually depends on its grade. Numismatists use a 70-point scale to determine condition. For Buffalo Nickels, the most important feature is the date. Because the date was placed on a raised part of the design, it was the first thing to wear off.

A “Dateless” Buffalo Nickel is generally only worth its metal value or a few cents as a novelty. However, if the date is fully visible and the horn on the buffalo is sharp, the value increases significantly. Collectors prefer coins where the buffalo’s tail is distinct and the Native American’s hair braid shows fine detail.

The difference between a “Very Fine” and an “Uncirculated” coin can be thousands of dollars. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is recommended for any coin you suspect is worth more than $200. Before sending it in, you can use a valuation app to get a baseline estimate of what the coin might be worth on the open market.

Where to Sell Your Buffalo Nickels

If you discover you have an expensive Buffalo Nickel, the next step is finding the right buyer. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they typically offer 50-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit. For rare dates like the 1937-D 3-legged, auction houses or online marketplaces often yield better results.

Online forums and collector groups are also excellent resources. However, always ensure you have a clear idea of the coin’s market price before entering negotiations. Knowledge is power in the coin world, and being able to cite recent sales for your specific grade and year will help you get a fair price.

Remember, never clean your coins! Cleaning a Buffalo Nickel with chemicals or cloths can remove the original “mint luster” and significantly decrease its value. Collectors prefer the natural patina and wear of an original coin over a shiny, damaged one.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a Buffalo Nickel?

A: The mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia) is located on the reverse side of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS” and below the buffalo’s mound.

Q: Are Buffalo Nickels made of silver?

A: No, Buffalo Nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Unlike some older quarters and dimes, they do not contain any silver content. Their value comes purely from their rarity and historical significance.

Q: What is a “Dateless” Buffalo Nickel worth?

A: Generally, a nickel with no visible date is worth about 10 to 25 cents. Some crafters use them for jewelry or buttons. However, if it is a 3-legged variety, it can still be valuable even if the date is faded.

Q: How can I tell if my 1937-D 3-Legged Nickel is real?

A: A genuine 3-legged nickel will have a “ragged” look where the leg was removed, and the remaining back legs will often show a “pitted” appearance on the surface of the die. Comparing yours with photos in a coin app is a good first step.