The Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin that was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin features a Native American chief on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse. The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most popular and well-recognized coins in American history, and it is also one of the most valuable.
There are several factors that contribute to the value of a Buffalo Nickel. One factor is the condition of the coin. Coins that are in mint condition are worth more than coins that are circulated or damaged. Another factor that affects the value of a Buffalo Nickel is the year in which it was minted. Some years are more rare than others, and coins from those years are worth more. Additionally, the presence of errors or varieties on a Buffalo Nickel can also increase its value.
The most valuable Buffalo Nickels are those that are in mint condition and were minted in a rare year. Some of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels include the 1913-S Type 1, the 1916-D, and the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo. These coins are all worth thousands of dollars, and they are highly sought after by collectors.
Uncovering the Rarity and Value of 1913 Buffalo Nickels
1913 Buffalo Nickels: A Tale of Rarity and Value
The 1913 Buffalo nickel is a highly sought-after coin by collectors due to its extreme rarity. Only five known specimens of the 1913 Buffalo nickel exist, making it one of the most valuable and elusive coins in American numismatics. The value of a 1913 Buffalo nickel can vary significantly depending on its condition and certification, but even a less-than-perfect example can fetch a substantial sum.
The rarity of the 1913 Buffalo nickel is attributed to a combination of production errors and historical circumstances. In 1913, the Philadelphia Mint struck a small number of Type 1 Buffalo nickels with the incorrect date of 1912. These coins were quickly recognized as errors and melted down, leaving only a handful of survivors. The Type 2 Buffalo nickel was introduced in 1913 with a revised reverse design, but it too was struck in limited quantities.
Furthermore, the year 1913 marked the transition from Indian Head nickels to Buffalo nickels. This transition was delayed due to a shortage of the new dies, resulting in a smaller mintage of 1913 Buffalo nickels than in previous years. The combination of these factors contributed to the extreme rarity of the 1913 Buffalo nickel, making it one of the most valuable and prized coins in American history.
1913 Buffalo Nickel Varieties
| Type | Year | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 1913 | Few (5 known specimens) | $1,000,000+ |
| Type 2 | 1913 | Less than 100,000 | $20,000+ |
The Elusive 1937-D Buffalo Nickel: A Collector’s Dream
The 1937-D Buffalo nickel stands as an enigma in the world of numismatics, a tantalizing prize that has captivated collectors and enthusiasts for decades. Its scarcity and historical significance have elevated it to the status of a true collector’s dream.
Characteristics and Rarity
The 1937-D Buffalo nickel was struck at the Denver Mint, but only a mere 3,600 pieces were produced. This limited mintage is attributed to a change in minting operations at the time. The Denver Mint had recently transitioned to a new production process, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of coins produced.
The 1937-D Buffalo nickel is easily distinguished from other Buffalo nickels by its prominent mint mark, “D,” located below the bison’s tail on the reverse. The coins typically exhibit a dull, matte finish, and their surfaces may show signs of wear due to their limited circulation.
Historical Significance
The scarcity of the 1937-D Buffalo nickel has made it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its historical significance stems from its role in the transition of the Buffalo nickel to the Jefferson nickel. In 1938, the U.S. Treasury Department decided to replace the Buffalo nickel with a new design featuring Thomas Jefferson. As a result, the 1937-D Buffalo nickel became the last of its kind, marking the end of an era in American coinage
| Year | Mint | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | D | 3,600 | $40,000+ |
Unveiling the Mystery of the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel
Background
The 1916-D Buffalo Nickel stands as an enigmatic relic of American numismatics. Minted at the Denver Mint in 1916, this coin boasts a unique and intriguing history. Despite its relatively low mintage, the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel has become a highly sought-after collectible due to its scarcity and historical significance.
Distinctive Features
The 1916-D Buffalo Nickel exhibits several distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other issues of the Buffalo Nickel series. The most notable feature is the absence of the mint mark on the reverse of the coin. This omission is believed to have occurred due to a production error, resulting in a small number of coins being struck without the mint mark. Additionally, the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel typically displays a strong strike and sharp details, further enhancing its desirability among collectors.
Rarity and Value
The 1916-D Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest issues in the series, with an estimated mintage of only 484,000 coins. This scarcity, coupled with its unique features and historical significance, has made the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel highly valuable. According to recent market data, the value of a circulated 1916-D Buffalo Nickel ranges from around $200 to $400, while uncirculated examples can fetch prices in the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars depending on their grade and quality.
The Pristine Perfection of the 1912-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1912-S Buffalo Nickel: A Historic Masterpiece
The 1912-S Buffalo nickel is a numismatic masterpiece, renowned for its intricate design and exceptional rarity. Coined at the San Francisco Mint, this nickel stands out with its stunning sharpness and pristine surfaces, capturing the essence of James Earle Fraser’s iconic Native American and bison design.
Exceptional Rarity and Market Value
With a mintage of just 19,064, the 1912-S Buffalo nickel is one of the rarest coins in the series. Its scarcity has driven its value to extraordinary heights, with certified pieces fetching thousands of dollars at auction.
Grading the 1912-S Buffalo Nickel
Determining the value of a 1912-S Buffalo nickel requires expert grading. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) provide standardized grading systems that assess the coin’s condition, including sharpness of strike, surface smoothness, and overall preservation.
Exceptional Detail in Proof Coins
The 1912-S Buffalo nickel was also struck in proof format, showcasing an even higher level of detail and artistry. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and feature a brilliant, mirror-like finish. The exquisite precision of the proof coins enhances the depth and clarity of Fraser’s design, making them highly coveted by numismatists worldwide.
| Grade | Population | Average Value |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS65 | 2,967 | $3,500 |
| NGC MS66 | 1,253 | $5,000 |
| PCGS PR66 | 155 | $15,000 |
Exceptional Details: The 1921 Buffalo Nickel
The 1921 Buffalo Nickel is a highly sought-after coin due to its exceptional details.
Buffalo Nickels minted in 1921 are among the most beautiful and intricate coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
The coin’s design features a Native American chief on the obverse and a bison on the reverse.
The details on both sides of the coin are incredibly sharp, and the overall appearance of the coin is stunning.
Variations
There are two main varieties of the 1921 Buffalo Nickel: the Type I and the Type II.
The Type I has a matte finish, while the Type II has a semi-proof finish.
The Type II is much rarer than the Type I, and it is therefore more valuable.
Condition
The condition of a Buffalo Nickel is also a major factor in determining its value.
The coin should be free of any major scratches or dings, and the details should be sharp.
The following are the grades of Buffalo Nickels:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated | The coin has never been circulated and is in mint condition. |
| Extremely Fine | The coin has been circulated, but it has only minor wear. |
| Fine | The coin has been circulated and shows some wear, but the details are still visible. |
| Good | The coin has been heavily circulated and shows significant wear. |
| Poor | The coin is very worn and the details are difficult to see. |
The Legacy and Enduring Appeal of the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1913-S Buffalo nickel is a rare and valuable coin that has captivated collectors and enthusiasts for over a century. Known for its intricate design, historical significance, and rarity, this coin has become an iconic piece in the world of numismatics. Its unique characteristics, including its distinctive buffalo design and small mintage, have contributed to its enduring appeal and high value.
Rarity and Mintage
The 1913-S Buffalo nickel is one of the rarest coins in the United States circulating coinage. The San Francisco Mint struck only 51,739 pieces of this nickel during 1913, making it a highly sought-after coin among collectors. The low mintage is due to the fact that the San Francisco Mint primarily produced gold coins at the time.
Design and Symbolism
The 1913-S Buffalo nickel features the iconic design created by James Earle Fraser. The obverse (front) of the coin depicts a Native American chief, modeled after Iron Tail, a Lakota Sioux warrior, with the legend “LIBERTY” above and the date “1913” below. The reverse (back) of the coin portrays a North American bison (buffalo), with the denomination “FIVE CENTS” below and the United States motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of many, one) above.
Value and Grading
The value of the 1913-S Buffalo nickel varies significantly depending on its condition and grade. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a coin graded as MS-60 (Mint State-60) can be worth around $5,000, while an MS-65 graded coin can command prices of up to $20,000 or more. The rarity of this coin, along with its historical significance and design, contribute to its high value and desirability among collectors.
Grading Factors
The grading of a 1913-S Buffalo nickel is based on several factors, including its overall appearance, surface preservation, and strike quality. Factors such as luster, wear, and the presence of marks or scratches can impact the grade of the coin. Expert coin graders examine the coin under magnification to determine its condition and assign an appropriate grade.
Grading Scale
The following table shows the grading scale used by PCGS for the 1913-S Buffalo nickel:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | Mint State, heavily circulated, with some wear and surface imperfections, but no major detracting marks |
| MS-63 | Mint State, moderately circulated, with minor wear and light surface imperfections |
| MS-65 | Mint State, lightly circulated, with minimal wear and few surface imperfections |
| MS-70 | Perfect Mint State, no wear or surface imperfections visible |
Tips for Collecting
If you’re interested in collecting Buffalo nickels, it’s essential to do your research and buy from reputable dealers. Carefully examine the coin’s condition and grade before making a purchase. You can also consider getting the coin certified by a professional grading service to ensure its authenticity and value.
The Intriguing 1936-D Buffalo Nickel: A Numismatic Enigma
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel is a numismatic enigma that has fascinated collectors for decades. Minted at the Denver Mint, this coin boasts a unique combination of rarity and historical significance.
Erroneous Overstrike
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 1936-D Buffalo nickel is its erroneous overstrike. Some specimens were accidentally struck twice, creating a “doubled die” effect. This resulted in two sets of the coin’s design, superimposed upon each other, resulting in a distinctive doubled appearance.
Rarity and Value
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel is considered one of the rarest Buffalo nickels. Only 3-4 million were produced, and most were melted during World War II. Today, it is highly sought-after by collectors, with values ranging from $2,000 for a low grade to over $10,000 for a high-grade specimen.
Grading
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel is typically graded on a scale of 1-70 by independent grading services. The grading scale takes into account factors such as wear, strike quality, and surface condition. Higher-graded coins are more valuable and rarer.
Varieties
There are three main varieties of the 1936-D Buffalo nickel, classified by the thickness of the “D” mintmark:
| Variety | Mintmark Thickness | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Strong D | Thick | Most common |
| Medium D | Moderate thickness | Rare |
| Weak D | Thin | Rarest |
Design
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel features the classic design by James Earle Fraser. The obverse depicts a Native American chief facing left, while the reverse shows a bison standing on a mound. The coin’s motto, “E Pluribus Unum,” is inscribed along the border.
Historical Context
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel was minted during the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship. Its rarity can be attributed to the reduced demand for coins during this period.
Numismatic Significance
The 1936-D Buffalo nickel is a significant numismatic collectible due to its rarity, historical context, and unique overstrike error. It is a highly prized coin among collectors and continues to captivate numismatists to this day.
The Exceptional 1919-D Buffalo Nickel: A Numismatic Treasure
History and Significance
The 1919-D Buffalo nickel is considered one of the most valuable and elusive coins in American numismatics. Due to a production error, only 4,000 to 6,000 pieces were struck, making it exceptionally rare.
Rarity and Value
The 1919-D Buffalo nickel is a significant rarity in all grades. Even heavily worn specimens can fetch thousands of dollars, while uncirculated examples can command hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2021, a certified MS-65 specimen sold for over $300,000.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the 1919-D Buffalo nickel features the majestic American buffalo designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The design is considered a classic and has become an iconic symbol of American coinage.
Obverse Design
The obverse of the coin features the Native American chief, Chief Iron Tail, also designed by Fraser. The chief’s profile is rendered in a dignified and stoic manner.
Production Error
The rarity of the 1919-D Buffalo nickel is attributed to a production error that occurred at the Denver Mint. A misaligned die created a unique “lines off” effect on the obverse, resulting in a distinctive die crack from the chief’s nose to his headband.
Die Varieties
Numismatists have identified multiple die varieties of the 1919-D Buffalo nickel, each with slight variations in the die crack and other subtle features.
Mint Mark Location
The mint mark “D” is located on the reverse of the coin, below the buffalo’s tail. The placement of the mint mark is a unique characteristic of the 1919-D issue.
Grading
The condition of a 1919-D Buffalo nickel is a critical factor in determining its value. Professional grading services assign numerical grades to coins based on their preservation state.
Numismatic Significance
The 1919-D Buffalo nickel is a highly sought-after numismatic treasure. It represents the intersection of historical significance, rarity, and artistic merit, making it a prized possession for coin collectors worldwide.
10. Notable Sales
The following table lists some notable sales of 1919-D Buffalo nickels in recent years:
| Year | Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | MS-65 | $316,250 |
| 2019 | MS-64 | $235,000 |
| 2016 | MS-63 | $161,000 |
Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
The Buffalo nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, is a five-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American chief on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. The Buffalo nickel is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint, and it is highly sought after by collectors.
The most valuable Buffalo nickels are those that were struck in the early years of production, particularly the 1913-S and the 1913-D. These coins are rare and in high demand, and they can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Other valuable Buffalo nickels include those that were struck in the later years of production, particularly the 1937-D and the 1938-D. These coins are also rare and in high demand, and they can sell for hundreds of dollars.
People Also Ask About Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
What is the most valuable Buffalo nickel?
The most valuable Buffalo nickel is the 1913-S, which can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
What is the rarest Buffalo nickel?
The rarest Buffalo nickel is the 1913-S, which was only struck in small quantities.
How much is a Buffalo nickel worth?
The value of a Buffalo nickel depends on its condition and rarity. Common Buffalo nickels can sell for a few dollars, while rare Buffalo nickels can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Where can I find Buffalo nickels?
Buffalo nickels can be found in circulation, at coin shops, and at online auctions.
