The 15 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels You Didn’t Know Existed

Why Buffalo Nickels Are Collector Favorites: Buffalo nickels—also known as Indian Head nickels—aren’t just coins; they’re pieces of Americana. First introduced in 1913 and struck until 1938, these nickels are cherished not just for their unique design but also for their rich history. With a Native American profile on the obverse and a powerful American bison on the reverse, these coins represent a raw, rustic era of U.S. coinage—one that still captivates collectors around the globe.

What makes Buffalo nickels so intriguing is their blend of artistry and imperfection. The design by James Earle Fraser was revolutionary for its time, yet it led to rapid die wear and strike issues, which in turn created numerous rare varieties and valuable minting errors. For collectors, that’s pure gold—well, nickel in this case.

Even in circulated condition, certain Buffalo nickels fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and if you’re lucky enough to find a high-grade specimen with a rare variation? That could be your ticket to a serious payday. It’s this combination of beauty, rarity, and mystery that keeps collectors hooked.

A Brief History of the Buffalo Nickel (1913–1938)

The Buffalo nickel was introduced as a replacement for the Liberty Head nickel, part of the effort to create more symbolic, nationalistic coinage. Fraser’s designs featured real-life inspirations: the Native American figure was a composite of three chiefs, and the bison was reportedly modeled after “Black Diamond,” a bison from the Central Park Zoo.

However, despite its visual impact, the coin’s detailed design led to problems. The dies wore out quickly, and details like the date would fade fast, even with minimal circulation. Over time, these flaws led to some incredible rarities—whether it was a three-legged buffalo or an overdate mistake.

Production ceased in 1938, replaced by the Jefferson nickel. But Buffalo nickels have continued to rise in value, with top specimens commanding eye-watering sums. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone with an old coin jar, this is one series worth investigating.

1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel

What Makes This the Holy Grail of Buffalo Nickels

The 1913-S Type 2 is one of the most sought-after coins in the Buffalo nickel series. In 1913, the U.S. Mint introduced two reverse designs. Type 1 had the buffalo standing on a raised mound, while Type 2 showed the buffalo on a flat plain with a more defined “FIVE CENTS” inscription—designed to extend the coin’s lifespan in circulation.

The San Francisco Mint produced only a small number of Type 2 nickels—around 1.2 million. That might sound like a lot, but very few survived in pristine condition. Most ended up heavily worn or lost, making high-grade specimens extremely scarce.

This coin represents a pivotal moment in the Buffalo nickel story, the correction of an original design flaw, and the rarity of the 1913-S Type 2 makes it a key date for serious collectors. In mint state, these coins can fetch upwards of $50,000, especially those graded MS66 or higher.

Auction Prices and Collector Demand

Over the years, demand for the 1913-S Type 2 has only grown. At a major auction, a high-grade MS67 sold for over $140,000. Why such a premium? It’s a “first-year” coin, a low-mintage issue, and tied to a unique design transition. That trifecta makes it irresistible to collectors.

Even circulated examples in VG (Very Good) condition can sell for several hundred dollars. The jump in price from one grade to the next is dramatic—so if you think you have one, get it graded before selling.

1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel

The Rare Error That Skyrocketed in Value

Now here’s a coin with serious intrigue. The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most dramatic and elusive error nickels ever struck. On this coin, the date and the phrase “LIBERTY” show strong, visible doubling—something that occurred due to a misalignment during the hubbing process.

This variety is exceptionally rare. Only a handful are known to exist, and even fewer in high grades. It’s not a coin you stumble upon every day, which is why it has achieved near-mythical status in numismatic circles.

How to Identify This Unique Doubling

Spotting the 1916 doubled die takes a trained eye. The most noticeable doubling occurs on the last digits of the date and the letters “ERTY” in “LIBERTY.” Use a loupe or microscope to examine the details. If you see bold, not fuzzy, doubling—congrats, you might have found a jackpot.

Values for this variety range from $10,000 in lower grades to over $250,000 for coins in mint condition. Yes, you read that right. If you come across a 1916 Buffalo nickel, inspect it carefully—you might just find yourself a life-changing error.

1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel

Minting Mistake That Turned Legendary

The 1918/7-D is an overdate variety—a coin that was struck using a die with remnants of the previous year’s date still visible. In this case, a 1917 die was repunched with “1918,” creating a distinctive overdate error.

Struck at the Denver Mint, this coin is incredibly hard to find, especially in grades above VG. What makes this one so special is the clarity of the overdate. The top of the “7” is clearly visible beneath the “8,” and it’s not something that fades with wear like some other varieties.

Collector Tips and Identification Clues

Collectors have been hunting this coin for decades, and prices have steadily climbed. An EF (Extremely Fine) example can go for $30,000, while AU (About Uncirculated) and MS grades can break six figures easily.

To identify it, focus on the date area. If you can see the top of the “7” peeking from under the “8,” you’ve got a winner. This is one coin that absolutely must be authenticated due to the number of fakes in the market.

1926-S Buffalo Nickel

Why the 1926-S Has Low Survival Rates

The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is often cited as one of the toughest dates in the entire series to find in higher grades. While the San Francisco Mint did produce over 970,000 of these coins, most of them entered circulation and were heavily used. As a result, mint-state examples are exceedingly rare today.

Unlike some of the earlier Buffalo nickels, which benefitted from limited circulation or collector interest at the time, the 1926-S had no such luck. Many of these coins were struck poorly as well, which means that even uncirculated pieces can look flat or weak in detail. This adds another layer of difficulty for collectors trying to locate a sharp, clean example.

Value Estimates Based on Condition

When it comes to pricing, the 1926-S is no joke. A heavily worn example in Good condition may only bring $20–$40. But the value climbs rapidly as the condition improves. In XF (Extremely Fine), the price can jump to several hundred dollars, and in AU (About Uncirculated), you’re easily looking at $1,000 or more.

If you manage to get your hands on a coin in MS63 or higher, you’re looking at a potential value of $10,000–$50,000 depending on strike quality and eye appeal. MS65 examples are extremely rare and have sold at auction for well over $100,000. So if you find one, treasure it—it’s among the rarest survivors in the Buffalo series.

1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The Iconic Minting Blunder That Created a Legend

Talk about a famous flub—the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is probably the most recognizable error in the entire Buffalo nickel lineup. This wasn’t just a slight overdate or subtle doubling—this was a missing leg on the buffalo. The front right leg was polished off the die, likely during an attempt to remove clash marks, and the result was a three-legged bison that quickly caught collectors’ eyes.

This error occurred at the Denver Mint, and although thousands were released into circulation, they were quickly scooped up by sharp-eyed collectors. Because of its dramatic nature, it became an instant legend—and its popularity hasn’t waned since.

Spotting the Missing Leg – Key Markers

To verify whether you have a 3-legged variety, you’ll want to examine the front right leg of the buffalo. On authentic examples, it appears completely missing, while the other three legs remain intact. You’ll also notice telltale signs like a slight blur or smoothing where the leg should be and some doubling near the hoof area.

Prices vary depending on the coin’s grade. A low-grade example might sell for $700 to $1,200, while AU specimens routinely sell for $10,000 or more. MS65 examples can fetch $80,000 and up at auction. It’s one of those coins that’s both rare and extremely popular—making it a true centerpiece for any Buffalo nickel collection.

1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel

Another Overdate Marvel That Collectors Crave

Overdate coins are the result of mint workers repunching a new date over an old one on a working die. In the case of the 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel, the “3” from the previous year is still faintly visible under the “4.” It’s a subtle error but highly prized because of its rarity.

This particular variety is far less common than the better-known 1918/7-D, but still commands significant respect in the numismatic world. Overdates are tough to spot with the naked eye, which is why many of these coins flew under the radar for decades before collectors began recognizing their value.

Price Ranges and Authentication Tips

Identifying the 1914/3 requires careful inspection with magnification. The curve of the “3” can be seen beneath the “4,” especially in the lower loop. Because of the subtlety of this overdate, authentication is essential—there are many altered or counterfeit versions circulating in the market.

Even worn examples can be worth a few hundred dollars. In higher grades, the value jumps quickly. VF examples are often valued at $2,000–$5,000, and AU specimens can go for upwards of $10,000. A certified MS64 or higher? You could be looking at a six-figure payday.

1924-S Buffalo Nickel

One of the Scarcest from the Mid-1920s

Mid-1920s Buffalo nickels can be deceptively tough to find in top condition, and the 1924-S is a perfect example. With a low mintage of just over 1.4 million and notoriously poor strikes from the San Francisco Mint, this coin poses a challenge for collectors seeking high-grade examples.

Unlike other rare coins that gained value due to an obvious error or design change, the 1924-S earned its reputation through sheer scarcity and poor survival rates. Most that were released into circulation were used heavily, and few were saved in mint condition.

Value Across Different Grades

If you find a 1924-S in low grades, you may get $15–$40, but the real value lies in anything XF or higher. An AU example might net you $1,500–$3,000, while mint-state coins routinely command $10,000–$20,000 at auction.

Because of the poor strike quality, collectors will pay a premium for coins that show full details on the horn and tail of the buffalo. These “full strike” examples are especially rare and highly sought-after. If you ever come across one with sharp detail, don’t hesitate to get it authenticated and graded.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Error Coin)

The Transition Coin That Shouldn’t Exist

Here’s where things get wild: the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was never officially released. That’s right—there was no authorized production of Liberty Head nickels in 1913. However, five examples mysteriously surfaced and instantly became some of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history.

These coins were likely produced unofficially at the Philadelphia Mint, possibly by a rogue employee. Their existence wasn’t even publicly known until years later, but once collectors found out, the chase was on.

A Million-Dollar Rarity

Only five confirmed specimens exist, and each has a unique provenance. One famously appeared on the TV show Hawaii Five-O, another belonged to King Farouk of Egypt, and others have been auctioned off for millions.

The last known sale of a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel brought in over $4.5 million. This isn’t just a valuable coin—it’s a slice of American numismatic folklore. If you somehow stumble across a Liberty Head nickel dated 1913, congratulations—you’ve just won the coin lottery.

1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

Little-Known Error with Big Value

The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel is one of the more underappreciated gems in the Buffalo series, largely because it’s not as dramatic as the 3-legged or overdate varieties. But for serious collectors who understand the nuances of coin errors, this piece is a must-have. The doubling appears on the reverse of the coin, particularly in the inscriptions “FIVE CENTS” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

This error occurred when the working die was impressed twice at slightly different angles, creating a visual doubling of the lettering. It’s subtle, but it’s there—and collectors are willing to pay a premium for well-preserved examples.

Eye-Popping Auction Results

The value of this coin depends heavily on grade and the clarity of the doubling. Lower-grade examples in VG to F (Fine) conditions might sell for $50–$150, but once you enter the XF and AU grades, prices jump significantly.

Uncirculated versions with strong doubling have sold at auction for $1,000–$5,000, and MS65 examples can exceed $10,000. Though not as famous as other Buffalo nickels, this doubled die is a rising star in the collecting world and a great investment for the future.

1917-S Buffalo Nickel

Weak Strikes and Low Mintage Issues

The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is notorious for its poor strike quality. Produced at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is often found with soft details, especially in the date and on the buffalo’s features. That, combined with a relatively low mintage of just over 4 million coins, makes it one of the more difficult coins to find in fully struck, high-grade condition.

Because collectors place a high value on eye appeal, a sharply struck 1917-S can demand a serious premium, even if the technical grade isn’t among the highest. It’s one of those coins where quality matters just as much—if not more—than the grade.

How to Spot a High-Grade Rarity

The key to spotting a valuable 1917-S is in the details. Look for a strong strike with visible detail in the buffalo’s horn and tail, and a clear date. Weakly struck examples are worth far less and are much more common.

In G to F grades, the coin might only be worth $20–$60. But in AU or higher grades with solid detail, you’re easily looking at $1,000–$4,000. Mint State examples are rare and can reach $10,000 or more depending on strike quality.

1920-S Buffalo Nickel

Why So Few Survived in Mint State

Like many of the S-mint Buffalo nickels from the early 1920s, the 1920-S suffers from a combination of low mintage and poor quality control. With a total output of just over 9.5 million, it wasn’t the lowest mintage, but the vast majority of these coins were poorly struck and entered heavy circulation quickly.

Mint State examples are especially elusive because they simply weren’t saved in large quantities. Most of what survives today shows heavy wear, weak detail, and a lackluster strike.

Grading and Rarity Explained

In lower grades (Good to Fine), this coin typically brings $15–$50. However, prices escalate quickly as the grade improves. AU examples can fetch $1,000–$2,500, and coins in MS63 or higher can exceed $10,000—particularly if they show full details.

For collectors, the 1920-S is one of those dates that requires both patience and a sharp eye. If you’re aiming for a complete set in high grade, this coin is definitely one of the harder puzzles to complete.

1927-S Buffalo Nickel

Rare Find from the Late ’20s

By 1927, the Buffalo nickel series had seen several production changes, but San Francisco continued to struggle with quality control. The 1927-S Buffalo Nickel, although minted in moderate quantities (around 3.4 million), is extremely difficult to find in high grade due to weak strikes and worn dies.

What makes this coin valuable is the combination of poor overall quality and low survival in mint state. Collectors chasing a full set know this is one of the roadblocks when aiming for MS64 or higher.

What Makes It So Valuable Today

Low-grade examples are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $75. However, when you get into the uncirculated territory, especially with strong detail and minimal marks, prices shoot up.

MS64 examples can go for $8,000–$12,000, while MS65+ coins are rare and can exceed $30,000. Like other rare Buffalo nickels, strike quality plays a huge role in determining value. The stronger the detail, the better the return.

1936 Proof Buffalo Nickel

Proof Coins Meant for Collectors

The 1936 Proof Buffalo Nickel is a standout because it wasn’t intended for general circulation. Instead, it was part of a special run of coins made specifically for collectors. Struck with polished dies and extra care, these coins have a brilliant, mirror-like surface that sets them apart from regular business strikes.

Only 4,420 of these proof nickels were minted in 1936, making them a rarity from the start. Many were saved in pristine condition, but they still remain highly desirable due to their beauty and limited numbers.

Premiums for Pristine Specimens

Because of their collector focus, most surviving examples are in relatively high grade. Even still, PR63 specimens can sell for $1,000–$2,000. PR65 and higher examples often go for $3,000–$7,500, depending on eye appeal and toning.

What really makes this coin special is the combination of aesthetics and scarcity. If you’re building a top-tier Buffalo nickel set, a 1936 Proof is a must-have crown jewel.

1925-D Buffalo Nickel

Low Survival Rate in High Grade

Last but definitely not least is the 1925-D Buffalo Nickel, a coin that flew under the radar for years but is now considered one of the series’ toughest dates in mint condition. With a modest mintage of about 4.45 million, this Denver-minted nickel was widely circulated and rarely saved.

Poor strikes and heavy wear patterns mean that most 1925-D nickels today are in the VG to F range. Mint State examples are rare—and when they do show up at auction, they spark bidding wars.

Auction Prices and Future Outlook

In G to F conditions, you’re looking at prices between $15 and $60. But AU examples routinely bring in over $1,000. Mint State coins, particularly those with full horn details, can range from $7,000 to $20,000 depending on the grade.

Collectors continue to place strong demand on this issue, and prices are likely to climb even more in the coming years as pristine examples become harder to find.

Conclusion: Small Nickel, Big Value

Buffalo nickels are more than just coins—they’re pieces of American history, artifacts of a rugged era that have stood the test of time. From iconic errors like the 3-legged buffalo to subtle overdates and elusive proof strikes, these nickels are treasures that can easily be worth thousands—or even millions.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when a forgotten coin in an old jar or inherited collection could turn out to be a life-changing rarity.