Have an old Buffalo nickel tucked away in a drawer, inherited from a family member, or mixed in with your coin collection? Take a closer look before you dismiss it as just five cents. Certain Buffalo nickels have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, while a few exceptional examples have brought in more than $300,000 at auction.
The trick is knowing which coins collectors want. The year alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The mint mark, the condition, and unusual features created during the minting process can make an enormous difference in value.
Here are 10 Buffalo nickels worth knowing about, with recorded auction prices from PCGS CoinFacts and practical tips for checking your own coins. These are documented historical sales, not guaranteed prices for coins you might own today. Research checked October 25, 2026.
Which Buffalo Nickels Are the Most Valuable?
- 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel: A famous overdate with a recorded auction price of $350,750.
- 1926-S Buffalo nickel: A regular-issue coin with an exceptional auction record of $322,000 in high grade.
- 1916 doubled-die Buffalo nickel: A major variety that has sold for $281,750.
- 1937-D three-legged Buffalo nickel: A popular variety with a missing front leg on the bison.
- 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel: A scarce early issue with a PCGS-listed auction record of $84,000.
The most valuable examples tend to be rare varieties or coins preserved in exceptional condition. A worn example of the same date may sell for much less.
1. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel — $350,750
The 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel is one of the best-known rarities in the entire series. Its unusual date is the reason collectors pay so much attention to it.
The coin was struck at the Denver Mint, where the date shows an underlying 7 beneath the 8. This is known as an overdate. Rather than being a standard 1918-D nickel, the genuine variety has a distinctive overlap of the two numerals.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the highest listed auction record is $350,750, achieved in August 2006 for an example graded MS65.
That grade is important. MS65 means the coin is in Mint State condition, with no wear from circulation. The record doesn’t mean every 1918/7-D nickel is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What to look for: Examine the 8 in the date with magnification. The underlying 7 should have the characteristics of the recognized overdate variety. Because alterations and counterfeits are a concern with expensive coins, professional authentication is strongly recommended.
2. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel — $322,000
The 1926-S is a good reminder that a coin doesn’t need an obvious minting error to become exceptionally valuable.
Struck in San Francisco, this nickel had a reported mintage of just 970,000 coins. That makes it one of the lowest-mintage regular issues in the Buffalo nickel series. Finding one in outstanding condition is much harder than simply finding the date.
PCGS CoinFacts records a sale of $322,000 in April 2008 for an MS66 example.
The distinction between a worn coin and a superbly preserved one matters enormously here. A 1926-S with considerable circulation wear won’t normally approach the value of a top-grade specimen.
What to look for: Check the date carefully, then look beneath FIVE CENTS on the reverse for the small S mint mark. Don’t assume the coin is rare in a high grade simply because it looks old or has an S.
3. 1916 Doubled-Die Buffalo Nickel — $281,750
This variety is one of the most exciting Buffalo nickels for collectors because its defining feature can be seen on the front of the coin.
A doubled die occurs when a die used to strike coins has a duplicated design impression. On the genuine 1916 doubled-die obverse variety, the doubling can be seen in several areas, including the date, the portrait, and the feathers.
PCGS documents an auction record of $281,750 for an MS64 specimen sold in August 2004. Its 1916 doubled-die reference also explains why the true variety is different from coins showing less significant forms of doubling.
Here’s the catch: not every 1916 nickel with a blurry-looking date is a valuable doubled die. Ordinary strike characteristics, wear, and damage can create misleading appearances.
What to look for: Pay particular attention to the date, especially the numerals 16. Genuine doubling should have a recognizable pattern rather than a random blurred or scraped appearance.
4. 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel — $143,750
The first year of Buffalo nickel production is especially interesting because the design changed during 1913.
The original Type 1 design placed the bison on a raised mound, with FIVE CENTS beneath it. That area wore down quickly, so the design was modified to create the Type 2 nickel, which placed the bison on a flatter surface.
The Denver Mint produced 4,156,000 Type 2 nickels. Although that is not an exceptionally tiny mintage by itself, high-grade specimens have become highly sought after.
PCGS lists a record of $143,750, achieved in January 2008 for an MS68 example. You can review the details in PCGS CoinFacts.
What to look for: Confirm that the coin is the Type 2 design, then check the D mint mark below the FIVE CENTS inscription. Condition is especially important when comparing prices for this issue.
The 1924-S is another date worth checking if you’re sorting through an older collection.
The San Francisco Mint produced 1,437,000 examples that year. Its limited mintage, combined with the challenge of finding well-preserved coins with strong detail, makes it a sought-after date among Buffalo nickel collectors.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the auction record is $105,750, set in November 2016 for a coin graded MS66+.
That grade represents an unusually well-preserved specimen. Many Buffalo nickels have weakly struck details, so sharp features and an attractive overall appearance can affect collector demand.
What to look for: Check the date and the S mint mark on the reverse. Compare the coin’s wear, the definition of the bison’s horn, and the quality of the remaining design before estimating its value.
6. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel — $99,875
The 1937-D three-legged Buffalo nickel is probably the most recognizable error variety in this series. Its unusual appearance makes it a favorite among collectors, including people who don’t normally specialize in Buffalo nickels.
The variety was created when a die was excessively polished. The process removed the bison’s front foreleg from the design, leaving a coin that appears to show only three legs.
PCGS lists an auction record of $99,875, achieved in October 2021 for a specimen graded MS66+.
You can see the recognized variety and its auction history in PCGS CoinFacts.
What to look for: The front leg is missing, but the hoof detail remains visible. Be careful not to confuse this variety with ordinary wear, weak details, or damage to a regular 1937-D nickel.
7. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel — $84,000
The 1913-S Type 2 is a key date for Buffalo nickel collectors. Only 1,209,000 examples were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
It combines a low mintage with strong collector interest in the first year of the series. Even circulated examples can be worth substantially more than common Buffalo nickels, depending on their condition.
The latest auction record listed on PCGS CoinFacts is $84,000, achieved in August 2025 for an MS67+ specimen.
That’s a useful reminder that older auction records aren’t necessarily the last word on a coin’s potential value. New sales can change the picture, particularly for exceptional specimens.
What to look for: Check for the S mint mark on the reverse and make sure you’re looking at the Type 2 design, with the bison standing on a flat surface rather than a raised mound.
8. 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel — $79,313
The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel has an appealing place in American coin history. It was part of the original release of James Earle Fraser’s design, before the Mint modified the reverse later that year.
On the Type 1, the bison stands on a raised mound, and the words FIVE CENTS appear below it. This design was changed because the raised lettering wore down too quickly during circulation.
The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 30,992,000 Type 1 nickels. That large mintage means an ordinary circulated example isn’t automatically rare. The story changes when a coin survives in exceptional condition.
PCGS CoinFacts records an auction price of $79,313 in April 2021 for a coin graded MS68+.
What to look for: Identify the raised mound first. Then evaluate the coin’s condition. The record belongs to a superbly preserved example, not every 1913 Type 1 nickel.
9. 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel — $63,250
This coin is another example of how a small detail can create a major difference in value.
The 1914/3 is an overdate variety. Its date shows evidence of a 3 beneath the 4, making it different from a normal 1914 Buffalo nickel.
The important distinction is that the value comes from identifying the recognized overdate variety, not simply from owning a nickel dated 1914.
PCGS lists an auction record of $63,250, achieved in June 2002 for an MS65 specimen. The details are available in PCGS CoinFacts.
What to look for: Examine the final digit of the date carefully under magnification. Don’t assume that an irregular-looking 4 is proof of the overdate; have an experienced coin grader verify the variety before buying or selling it as such.
10. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel — $51,750
The 1921-S Buffalo nickel rounds out this list as another desirable regular issue from the San Francisco Mint.
The Mint produced 1,557,000 coins bearing this date and mint mark. While that mintage is far smaller than many Buffalo nickel issues, condition remains a major factor in price.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the auction record is $51,750, achieved in November 2006 for an MS66 specimen.
A coin that has circulated for decades may show significant wear, while a high-grade example retains much more detail. This difference helps explain why two nickels with the same date can have very different values.
What to look for: Check the date and the S mint mark below FIVE CENTS. Look closely at the bison’s horn, the portrait’s features, and the overall sharpness of the strike.
Buffalo Nickel Auction Records at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the highest auction prices listed by PCGS for the coins covered above.
| Rank | Buffalo nickel | Recorded auction price | Auction year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1918/7-D overdate | $350,750 | 2006 |
| 2 | 1926-S | $322,000 | 2008 |
| 3 | 1916 doubled die | $281,750 | 2004 |
| 4 | 1913-D Type 2 | $143,750 | 2008 |
| 5 | 1924-S | $105,750 | 2016 |
| 6 | 1937-D three-legged | $99,875 | 2021 |
| 7 | 1913-S Type 2 | $84,000 | 2025 |
| 8 | 1913 Type 1 | $79,313 | 2021 |
| 9 | 1914/3 overdate | $63,250 | 2002 |
| 10 | 1921-S | $51,750 | 2006 |
These are historical auction records for specific coins in the grades reported by PCGS, not estimates of what every coin of the same date is worth. Sale dates and prices reflect the individual specimens and auctions.
What Makes a Buffalo Nickel Valuable?
A Buffalo nickel’s value usually comes down to three things: rarity, condition, and whether the coin has a recognized variety.
The date and mint mark
Buffalo nickels were struck in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco from 1913 through 1938. Philadelphia coins generally have no mint mark, while Denver coins carry a D and San Francisco coins carry an S.
You’ll find the mint mark on the reverse, beneath the FIVE CENTS inscription. This small letter can make a significant difference when you’re comparing key dates.
The NGC Buffalo Nickel Coin Explorer provides a useful reference for the series, including mintages and varieties.
The coin’s condition
Two nickels from the same year and mint can have very different values because one has been heavily circulated while the other has survived with most of its original detail intact.
One useful place to start is the bison’s horn on the reverse. Professional grading references explain how the amount of remaining horn detail can help distinguish different condition levels.
The PCGS Buffalo Nickel grading guide includes visual examples and explains some of the challenges of grading these coins.
Recognized varieties
A recognized variety is different from ordinary wear or damage. The most famous examples include the 1916 doubled die, 1918/7-D overdate, and 1937-D three-legged variety.
The NGC variety reference identifies major Buffalo nickel varieties and explains their importance to collectors.
Not every strange-looking coin is a valuable variety. A mark made after the coin left the Mint, for example, shouldn’t be mistaken for a genuine minting feature.
How to Check Whether Your Buffalo Nickel Is Valuable
You don’t need expensive equipment to start. A good light, a magnifying glass, and a little patience are enough for an initial inspection.
Step 1: Read the date.
Look for the full four-digit year on the front. If some digits are worn away, don’t try to restore them yourself. The original details may be difficult or impossible to recover.
Step 2: Check the mint mark.
Turn the coin over and look below FIVE CENTS. A D or S can help identify a more desirable date and mint combination.
Step 3: Examine unusual details.
Check for the recognized missing-leg variety, doubled lettering or dates, and overdates. Use magnification rather than relying on a quick glance.
Step 4: Get a professional opinion.
If your coin appears to match a valuable variety, compare it with authenticated examples and consider a reputable coin dealer or professional grading service before spending money on certification.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
Assuming every old nickel is rare. The Buffalo nickel series ran for 25 years, and many examples survive. Age alone doesn’t make a coin valuable.
Confusing damage with a minting variety. Scratches, worn lettering, and accidental marks can look unusual. They aren’t automatically valuable errors.
Cleaning a coin to make it look better. Avoid polishing, scrubbing, or using chemicals on a collectible nickel. Surface alterations can hurt its desirability.
Trusting an asking price as proof of value. An online listing at $10,000 doesn’t prove anyone has paid that amount. Completed auction results for comparable, authenticated coins are much more useful.
Skipping authentication. Rare varieties can attract counterfeiters and altered coins. NGC has documented deceptive counterfeit 1913 Buffalo nickels made by combining parts of two coins. Read its counterfeit detection guide before making an expensive purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most valuable Buffalo nickel?
Among the coins in this list, the 1918/7-D overdate has the highest PCGS-listed auction record at $350,750, achieved in 2006. The record applies to a specific coin graded MS65; it isn’t the expected value of every example of the variety.
2. Which Buffalo nickel dates should I check first?
Start with the 1913-S Type 2, 1921-S, 1924-S, and 1926-S regular issues. Also look for recognized varieties such as the 1916 doubled die, 1918/7-D overdate, and 1937-D three-legged nickel. These are established collector targets documented in professional numismatic references.
3. Is a 1937 Buffalo nickel worth anything?
It depends on the mint mark, the coin’s condition, and whether it is the three-legged variety. A regular 1937 nickel isn’t automatically valuable. The famous 1937-D variety with the missing front leg can command much higher prices when authenticated.
4. How can I tell whether my Buffalo nickel is a rare variety?
Compare the coin with images and descriptions from PCGS or NGC. Look closely at the date, mint mark, and specific design features associated with the claimed variety. For a potentially valuable coin, professional authentication is the safer choice.
5. Do Buffalo nickels with no visible date have value?
Some do, but a missing date makes identification more difficult. Many heavily worn Buffalo nickels without a readable date sell for modest amounts. Don’t assume that a dateless coin is a rare date just because its year can’t be identified.
6. Where can I check Buffalo nickel values?
Use PCGS CoinFacts, the NGC price guide, and recent completed auction results. Match the exact date, mint mark, variety, and condition as closely as possible. Price guides and market conditions can change, so check current references before buying or selling.
A Final Tip Before You Spend That Nickel
Buffalo nickels are worth a closer look, but the most exciting prices usually belong to coins with a verified rarity or exceptional condition. Start by checking the date and mint mark, then compare any unusual features with a trusted numismatic reference.
And remember: don’t clean the coin, don’t rely on an inflated online asking price, and don’t pay for an expensive appraisal before you have a reasonable idea of what you own. A little research first can save you money and help you spot a genuinely special find.
Value note: The auction prices in the article are historical records, not current appraisals or guaranteed resale amounts. Coin prices can vary substantially by grade, authenticity, eye appeal, and market demand.