1919 S Buffalo Nickel Value and Price Guide for Collectors and Beginners

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The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade uncirculated state. If you have recently discovered one of these iconic American coins in an old jar or inherited a collection, you are likely holding a piece of history that commands a significant premium over its five-cent face value.

Understanding the Rarity of the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, is one of the most beloved pieces of American currency. However, not all nickels are created equal. In 1919, the San Francisco Mint struck only 7,521,000 of these coins. While that might sound like a large number, it is relatively low compared to the Philadelphia Mint’s production of over 60 million coins that same year.

Because San Francisco issues were often struck with less pressure or used worn dies, finding a 1919-S with sharp details is quite a challenge for modern collectors. Most of these coins saw heavy circulation during the Great Depression. If you are struggling to identify the mint mark on your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the “S” located on the reverse side, just below the buffalo and above the “FIVE CENTS” text.

If your coin lacks that “S” mark, it was minted in Philadelphia and is much more common. The presence of that tiny letter can turn a common five-cent piece into a valuable treasure. Many users of the CoinKnow app have reported finding these hidden gems after scanning coins they previously thought were worthless pocket change.

Daily Value and Pricing Factors for 1919-S Nickels

When determining how much your 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is worth, the condition (or “grade”) is the most important factor. Collectors use a 70-point scale to rate coins. A coin that is almost smooth with barely visible dates is “Good” (G-4), while a coin that looks like it just came from the mint is “Mint State” (MS-60 and above).

Because the “S” mint mark coins from this era are notorious for being “mushy” or weakly struck, a specimen with high hair detail on the Native American portrait or clear fur on the buffalo’s shoulder is highly sought after. You can find more specific data on the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel price trends for uncirculated specimens, which show that values jump exponentially once the coin reaches the MS-63 grade.

For the everyday person, checking the date is the first step. If the date “1919” is bold and easy to read, you are already ahead of the curve. Many Buffalo Nickels have “acid-dated” numbers where the date was restored chemically, but these are worth significantly less than coins with original, natural dates.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$15 – $25
Very Good (VG-8)	$35 – $50
Fine (F-12)	$75 – $110
Very Fine (VF-20)	$150 – $220
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$400 – $550
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$800 – $1,100
Mint State (MS-63+)	$2,500+

How to Identify a Genuine 1919-S Buffalo Nickel

Authenticity is key when dealing with coins valued in the hundreds of dollars. Because the 1919-S is a key date for the series, some unscrupulous individuals have been known to add an “S” mint mark to a Philadelphia coin. To ensure your coin is real, look closely at the mint mark under magnification. It should look like it is part of the coin, not glued on or soldered.

Another thing to look for is the “Horn” on the buffalo. In the coin collecting world, a “Full Horn” is a sign of a high-quality strike. If the horn on the reverse is complete and sharp, the value of your 1919-S Buffalo Nickel valuation increases dramatically compared to “partial horn” examples.

If you aren’t sure about the condition, the CoinKnow app provides a great way to compare your coin’s image with high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This allows you to estimate the grade before you spend money on professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.

Collector Interest and Market Trends

The market for Buffalo Nickels has remained incredibly stable over the last few decades. These coins represent a nostalgic era of American history and the “Wild West” imagery appeals to collectors of all ages. The 1919-S, in particular, is a favorite because it is rare enough to be a “trophy” but affordable enough in lower grades for a beginner to acquire.

While the prices for worn 1919-S nickels stay consistent with inflation, “Gem” quality uncirculated coins have seen record-breaking prices at auctions, sometimes fetching over $10,000 if they possess exceptional “eye appeal” or beautiful toning (natural rainbow colors on the surface).

Before selling your coin to a local pawn shop—where you might only get a fraction of its worth—it is vital to do your research. Tools like CoinKnow give you the knowledge needed to negotiate a fair price or decide if the coin is worth holding onto as a long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the mint mark on a 1919-S Buffalo Nickel?

A: The mint mark is located on the “tails” or reverse side of the coin. Look at the bottom of the coin, directly underneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If the space is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Is a 1919 Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark worth anything?

A: Yes, but it is generally less valuable than the “S” or “D” versions. A 1919 nickel with no mint mark in average circulated condition usually sells for $2 to $10, while uncirculated versions can still be worth $50 or more.

What makes a 1919-S Nickel “Uncirculated”?

A: An uncirculated coin has never been used in commerce. It will retain its original “mint luster”—a satiny or frosty shine that reflects light in a wagon-wheel pattern. Any signs of wear on the high points, like the cheekbone of the Indian or the hip of the buffalo, will drop the coin out of the uncirculated category.

Should I clean my 1919-S Buffalo Nickel to make it look better?

A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a rare coin with chemicals or clothes can create microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Collectors prefer a dirty, authentic coin over a shiny, cleaned one.