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The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade uncirculated condition. As a first-year issue from the Denver Mint, this coin is a prized find for casual hunters and serious numismatists alike, often carrying a significant premium over common dates.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (Type 1) | Estimated Value (Type 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 – $20 | $110 – $130 |
| Fine (F-12) | $35 – $45 | $175 – $210 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $75 – $90 | $325 – $375 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150 – $180 | $550 – $650 |
Why the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is a Special Find
If you have discovered a nickel featuring a Native American portrait and a majestic bison, you are holding a piece of American history. The year 1913 was the inaugural year for the Buffalo Nickel (also known as the Indian Head Nickel), designed by James Earle Fraser. While Philadelphia minted plenty of these, the “D” mint mark indicates it was produced in Denver, which usually means a lower mintage and higher collector demand.
To determine if your coin is a treasure, you should use a top coin identifier app to get an instant digital assessment. Most people don’t realize that 1913 saw two distinct designs: Type 1 and Type 2. The Denver Mint versions of these types vary wildly in scarcity.
While a common nickel is only worth five cents, the historical context of the 1913-D makes it a “key date” contender. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between the two types by zooming in on the reverse design, which is the secret to unlocking the true market price of your vintage coinage.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Understanding the Difference: Type 1 vs. Type 2
The most critical factor in determining your 1913-D Buffalo Nickel value is identifying whether it is a “Type 1” or “Type 2.” In early 1913, the nickel featured the bison standing on a raised mound of dirt. However, mint officials worried that the “FIVE CENTS” inscription on the mound would wear away too quickly in circulation.
By late 1913, the design was modified to “Type 2,” where the bison stands on a flat, recessed line (a “straight ground”). The Type 2 Denver issue is significantly rarer than the Type 1. If you find a Type 2 with a “D” on the back, you are looking at a coin that starts at over $100 even in poor condition.
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| Design Feature | Type 1 Characteristics | Type 2 Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Ground | Raised Mound / Hill | Flat Line / Recessed Space |
| Denomination Text | Raised; wears easily | Protected in a “well” |
| Rarity | Common (First half of year) | Rare (Second half of year) |
Grading and the 1913 Denver Nickel Price Guide
Condition is king in the world of coin collecting. A coin that has been rattling around in a pocket for decades will be worth far less than one that has been kept in a velvet-lined box. For the Type 1 variety, you can find detailed 1913-D Type 1 nickel auction prices and grades to see how much “Mint State” examples sell for today.
When grading your nickel, look at the horn of the bison on the reverse. If the horn is completely sharp and distinct, the coin is likely in a high grade. If the horn is completely worn away into the head of the bison, the coin is in “Good” or “Circulated” condition.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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For a more comprehensive look at pricing, consult a 1913 Buffalo Nickel price and rarity guide which breaks down the value based on the latest market trends. CoinKnow user reviews often suggest that checking for the “D” mint mark under the “FIVE CENTS” text is the first step before consulting professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Where to Find the “D” Mint Mark
Many beginners struggle to find the mint mark on a Buffalo Nickel. Unlike modern nickels where the “P” or “D” is on the front near the date, the 1913 Buffalo Nickel has its mint mark on the reverse side. Look at the bottom of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.”
If there is a small “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco (which is also very valuable). If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia. The 1913-D is specifically coveted because the Denver Mint had much lower production numbers for the Type 2 design compared to Philadelphia.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Knowing exactly what you have is easier than ever with CoinKnow. By simply snapping a photo of the reverse, you can confirm the mint mark and the design type in seconds. This ensures you don’t accidentally spend a $100 coin on a pack of gum!
Factors That Can Increase or Decrease Value
Beyond just the grade and type, a few other factors can influence what a dealer might pay you for your 1913-D Nickel. Luster—the “shine” or “glow” of the original metal—is highly prized. Coins that have been cleaned with chemicals actually lose value because collectors prefer original, aged surfaces (toning).
Damage such as deep scratches, “rim dings” (dents on the edge), or holes will significantly reduce the price. Alternatively, “Errors” can make a coin worth a fortune. While 1913 isn’t famous for a specific major error like the 1937 3-legged buffalo, minor doubled dies can occasionally be found by sharp-eyed collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Value Multiplier | Effect on Price |
|---|---|
| Original Luster | Increases value by 20-50% |
| Professional Cleaning | Decreases value by 50% or more |
| Full Horn Detail | Required for “Fine” grade and above |
| Certified Grading (PCGS/NGC) | Makes the coin easier to sell at top dollar |
How to Sell Your 1913-D Buffalo Nickel
If you’ve confirmed that you have a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel worth more than a few dollars, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins worth $20-$50, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. For high-grade Type 2 specimens worth $500 or more, you might want to consider professional auction houses.
Always get multiple opinions before selling. Prices can fluctuate based on the silver market (though nickels are made of copper and nickel) and collector demand. Most importantly, never clean your coin! Rubbing it with a cloth can leave microscopic scratches that experts will spot immediately, ruining the value of your find.
Using an app like CoinKnow helps you keep a digital inventory of your collection, making it easier to show potential buyers or insurance agents exactly what you have without constantly handling the physical coin.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin, positioned directly below the words “FIVE CENTS” and above the rim.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel made of silver?
A: No, Buffalo Nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Their value comes from their rarity and age, not their metal content.
Q: What is the most expensive 1913-D Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
A: High-grade Mint State versions of the 1913-D Type 2 have sold for over $40,000 at professional auctions, though these are extremely rare and usually professionally certified.
Q: Can I find a 1913-D Nickel in my pocket change today?
A: It is very unlikely but not impossible. Most Buffalo Nickels were pulled from circulation by the 1950s, but occasionally “collection dumps” happen where old coins are spent as face value.