Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1917 Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding this iconic piece of American history in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery that connects you directly to the early 20th century.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $10 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $25 – $35 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $65 – $85 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $150 – $220 |
| Gem Mint (MS-65+) | $750 – $4,000+ |
History and Significance of the 1917 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel
The 1917 Buffalo Nickel was struck during a pivotal time in American history, just as the United States entered World War I. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin is widely considered one of the most beautiful pieces of American currency. If your coin has no letter beneath the date, it means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Because Philadelphia was the primary minting facility, these coins are more common than their “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) counterparts, but they remain highly sought after by collectors.
If you are unsure whether you have a genuine 1917 nickel or a different year, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark location instantly. Many everyday Americans use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan their change and see if they’ve struck gold—or in this case, valuable vintage nickel.
The design features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison (Black Diamond) on the reverse. Because the date was placed on a raised surface in the original design, many of these coins saw the dates wear off quickly in circulation. Finding a 1917 nickel where the date is still crisp and bold is the first step toward a high valuation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Identify the 1917 Philadelphia Mint Nickel
Identifying a 1917 Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark is straightforward. Check the reverse side (the side with the buffalo). Look at the area directly under the words “FIVE CENTS.” If that area is blank, your coin was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a small “D” or “S,” it was minted in Denver or San Francisco respectively.
Collectors often struggle to differentiate between a common worn coin and a rare treasure. To get a better idea of what professional graders look for, you can check the 1917 nickel value highlights and grading standards. This will help you determine if your coin is worth a few dollars or a few hundred.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Grading these coins requires looking at the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbone. On the 1917 Philadelphia issue, a full horn on the buffalo is a sign of a high-grade specimen. If the horn is completely worn away and smooth, the coin is likely in “Good” or “About Good” condition. Knowing these details is essential before trying to sell your find at a local coin shop.
Understanding the Value of the 1917 Buffalo Nickel in Different Grades
The value of a 1917 Buffalo Nickel is strictly tied to its condition, also known as its “Grade.” Most coins found in old collections or “junk silver” bags are in “Good” to “Fine” condition. In these states, the coin is affordable and great for beginners. However, as you move into the “Uncirculated” and “Mint State” categories, the price skydives upward.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For those interested in high-end collecting, the market prices for 1917 MS Buffalo Nickels show that a simple jump from an MS-64 to an MS-66 grade can mean thousands of dollars in difference. Most casual observers cannot see the difference between these grades with the naked eye, which is why professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are so important for high-value coins.
| Grade Name | Technical Grade | Average Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|
| About Good | AG-3 | $5.00 |
| Very Fine | VF-20 | $42.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated | MS-63 | $285.00 |
| Superb Gem MS | MS-66 | $1,650.00 |
Using an app like CoinKnow can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to high-resolution photos of known examples. This technology has revolutionized the way everyday people interact with the hobby, making it easier than ever to spot a hidden gem in a drawer full of old change.
Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1917 Nickel
While most 1917 Philadelphia nickels are standard, there are a few errors and varieties that can make a specific coin much more valuable. One thing to look for is the “Double Die” error. This happens when the coin is struck twice by the die at slightly different angles, causing a blurry or doubled appearance on the lettering or the date.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Another rare occurrence is the “Clipped Planchet” error, where a piece of the circular coin is missing because it was cut improperly during production. While these errors are rarer in the 1917 series than in other years, they still carry a significant premium for specialized collectors. Most error coins are worth at least 5 to 10 times their standard version’s value.
If you suspect your coin has a strange marking or double lettering, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives will instantly destroy its numismatic value. Instead, use a magnifying glass or the high-zoom feature on the CoinKnow app to inspect the details. A “dirty” coin in original condition is always worth more than a “shiny” coin that has been scrubbed.
Where to Sell Your 1917 Buffalo Nickel for Top Dollar
If you’ve determined that your 1917 Buffalo Nickel is worth a substantial amount, your next step is finding the right buyer. For coins worth less than $50, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are often the most convenient options. These buyers look for “filler” coins to help amateur collectors complete their sets.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For high-grade coins worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, you should look into major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. These venues attract serious investors who are willing to pay a premium for certified, high-quality specimens. Remember that selling through an auction house often involves a commission fee, but the final sale price is usually much higher than what a local pawn shop would offer.
| Selling Channel | Best For | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Store | Quick cash / Low value coins | None (Direct Sale) |
| eBay | Wide audience / Mid-range coins | 13% – 15% |
| Major Auction Houses | High-grade / Rare error coins | 15% – 20% |
Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings on auction sites rather than “Asking” prices. This gives you a realistic view of what people are actually paying in the current market. The coin market fluctuates based on demand and the overall economy, so staying updated on recent price trends is vital.
## FAQ: Common Questions About the 1917 Buffalo Nickel
### Q: Is a 1917 Buffalo Nickel with no date worth anything?
A: Unfortunately, if the date is completely worn off, the coin is usually only worth its “filler” value, which is typically between $0.50 and $1.00. Some people use “Nic-A-Date” chemicals to reveal the date, but this is considered damaging the coin and will make it undesirable to serious collectors.
### Q: What makes the 1917 nickel different from other years?
A: 1917 was a high-production year, but it was also a year where the striking quality varied. Some Philadelphia nickels from this year have very “mushy” details, while others are sharp. Sharp strikes from this year command a much higher price because they are aesthetically superior.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
### Q: Is there a 1917 silver nickel?
A: No, the Buffalo Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. There are no silver Buffalo Nickels from any year. The only “Silver Nickels” ever produced by the US Mint were the “War Nickels” minted between 1942 and 1945 during World War II.
### Q: Should I get my 1917 Buffalo Nickel graded?
A: You should only consider professional grading (PCGS/NGC) if you believe the coin is in Mint State (MS) condition or has a significant error. Since grading costs roughly $30-$50 per coin including shipping, it isn’t worth it for a coin only valued at $20. If the coin looks brand new, grading is a great investment.
### Q: How can I tell if my 1917 nickel is a fake?
A: While 1917 Philadelphia nickels are rarely counterfeited because they aren’t “ultra-rarities,” you should check for correct weight (5.0 grams) and check the edges for any seams that might suggest a cast replica. Using CoinKnow can also help you compare your coin’s texture and font to genuine samples.