1914-S Jefferson Nickel Value: What Is This Rare Coin Worth?

The 1914-S Jefferson Nickel does not exist because the Jefferson series began in 1938; however, the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $25 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high mint state. If you believe you found a “1914-S Jefferson,” it is likely a 1941-S or 1954-S, or you are holding the much more valuable 1914-S Buffalo Nickel.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$25 – $35
Fine (F-12)	$55 – $75
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$150 – $190
Uncirculated (MS-60)	$450 – $600
Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+)	$1,500 – $3,500+

Understanding the 1914-S Nickel Rarity and Identification

When looking for the value of your old pocket change, the first thing to clarify is the design. Many beginners search for the “1914-S Jefferson Nickel,” but Thomas Jefferson’s face didn’t grace the nickel until 1938. If you have a nickel dated 1914 with an “S” on it, you are holding a Buffalo Nickel (also known as the Indian Head Nickel). This specific year and mint mark combination is a “semi-key date,” making it highly desirable for collectors.

To ensure you have an authentic piece, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the details of the Native American profile on the obverse. The “S” mint mark, representing San Francisco, is located on the reverse side, just below the words “FIVE CENTS” and the buffalo’s mound. Finding one of these in a jar of old coins is a significant win, as the San Francisco mint produced only 3.47 million of these in 1914—a very low number compared to modern standards.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a Buffalo or a later Jefferson model, CoinKnow can help you instantly categorize the series. Most “1914” nickels found by casual hunters end up being the 1941-S Jefferson series due to a simple misreading of the date. However, if your coin features a Buffalo, the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel price guide indicates that even a heavily circulated specimen carries a high premium over face value.

Mint Mark Location	Total Mintage	Rarity Scale
Reverse (Below ‘Five Cents’)	3,470,000	Semi-Key Date (Scarce)

How Grading Affects the 1914-S Nickel Value

Condition is everything in coin collecting. A 1914-S Buffalo Nickel that has been sitting in a pocket for decades will show significant wear. On the obverse, the Native American’s hair braids and cheekbone will be flat. On the reverse, the buffalo’s horn and tail might be missing. These “Good” or “About Good” coins still fetch around $25 because the “S” mint mark is so sought after.

As you move up the grading scale, the price jumps dramatically. If you can see the full horn on the buffalo, the coin likely grades “Fine” or better. Collectors look for “Mint State” (MS) coins that haven’t been touched by human hands or circulation. These coins retain their original “cartwheel” luster—the way light dances across the surface of the metal. If your coin looks shiny and brand new despite being over 100 years old, it could be worth thousands.

Using CoinKnow is a great way to compare your coin’s details against high-resolution photos of professional grades. Remember, never clean your coins! Even a light scrubbing with a cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy the numismatic value. A dirty, authentic 1914-S is worth much more than a polished one that collectors will reject as “damaged.”

Key Features to Look for on Your 1914-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1914-S is famously known for having a “weak strike” in some cases. This means that even if the coin didn’t circulate much, some of the details might not be sharp because the machinery at the San Francisco mint wasn’t hitting the planchets hard enough. Collectors focus on the buffalo’s tail and the crispness of the date to determine the strike quality.

Interestingly, the 1914 series followed the “Type 2” design, where the buffalo stands on a flat line or “plain” rather than a raised mound. The word “Cents” is also recessed in the design to prevent it from wearing away too quickly, a change made midway through 1913. If you have a coin where the date is completely worn off (a “no-date” nickel), it is usually worth only 50 cents, but if you can verify it’s a 1914-S, it still holds a premium.

Check the reverse carefully. The “S” should be small and clear. If the “S” looks blobby or tilted, it could be a mint error, which some niche collectors pay extra for. However, for most everyday Americans, a standard, clear 1914-S is the goal. If identifying these features feels overwhelming, the CoinKnow app’s zoom features can assist in spotting these minute details.

Identifying Feature	What to Check
The Date	Must be clearly legible on the shoulder.
The Buffalo’s Horn	A full horn indicates a “Fine” grade or higher.
The Mint Mark	Small ‘S’ located below the buffalo to the bottom left.

The Truth About the 1914-S Jefferson Nickel Confusion

Many people search for the “1914-S Jefferson Nickel” because they have a coin that looks exactly like a modern nickel but carries the 1914 date. If you have a Jefferson Nickel with a 1914 date, it is likely a counterfeit or a manipulated coin (someone may have altered a 1944 or 1954 date). Again, the Jefferson Nickel series officially started in 1938.

Before 1938, the U.S. Mint produced the Buffalo Nickel, and before that (up until 1912), the Liberty Head “V” Nickel. Therefore, a genuine 1914 nickel will always be a Buffalo design. If you are looking at a coin with Thomas Jefferson on the front and his Monticello home on the back, and the date says 1914, you should double-check the date under a magnifying glass.

It is common for “4”s and “1”s to get damaged in a way that makes a 1941-S look like a 1914-S. While a 1941-S Jefferson Nickel is only worth about 10 to 50 cents in circulated condition, the 1914-S Buffalo is a true treasure. Distinguishing between these two is the first step in successful coin hunting.

Market Trends: Why 1914-S Nickels Are Rare Today

In the early 1900s, nickels were the workhorses of the American economy. They were used for everything from trolley rides to snacks at the local five-and-dime. Because they saw such heavy use, most 1914-S nickels were worn down to nothing by the time they were pulled from circulation. Finding one with a readable date and an intact “S” mint mark is getting harder every year.

The San Francisco mint generally produced fewer coins than the Philadelphia or Denver mints during this era. This lower supply, combined with the high demand from Buffalo Nickel series collectors, keeps the price high. In the current market, prices for mid-grade 1914-S nickels (VF and XF) have remained stable or increased, as collectors seek to complete their albums.

Investors often look for 1914-S nickels as a “safe” entry into rare coins. They aren’t as expensive as the legendary 1913-S Type 2, but they are significantly more valuable than the common 1914 Philadelphia nickels. If you are looking to sell, online auctions and local coin shops are great places to start, but having a general idea of the price from a guide is essential to avoid being low-balled.

Comparison Year	Mint Mark	Value (Circulated)
1914 Buffalo	P (None)	$5 – $15
1914 Buffalo	D	$15 – $25
1914 Buffalo	S	$25 – $40+

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1914-S Nickel

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can’t I find a 1914-S Jefferson Nickel in any price guide?

A: Because Jefferson Nickels weren’t made in 1914. If you have a nickel from 1914, it is a Buffalo Nickel. The Jefferson series started in 1938.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1914 nickel?

A: On the 1914 Buffalo Nickel, the mint mark (either ‘D’ for Denver or ‘S’ for San Francisco) is located on the reverse side. Look at the very bottom of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” If there is no letter there, it was made in Philadelphia.

Q: How much is a 1914-S nickel worth if the date is blurry?

A: If the date is readable but faint, it usually grades as “Good” and is worth about $20-$25. If the date is completely gone, the coin is only worth a few dollars as a “cull” or space-filler for a collector.

Q: Is the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel made of silver?

A: No. All US nickels from this era (except for silver “War Nickels” from 1942-1945) are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Its value comes from its rarity as a historical artifact, not its metal content.

Q: What is the most expensive 1914-S nickel ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in Mint State 67 condition have sold for over $30,000 at professional auctions, though these are extremely rare and usually found only in high-end private collections.