Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel: Key Years and Rare Varieties

The Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $350,000 for rare mint-state varieties. These iconic coins, minted from 1913 to 1938, are favorites among everyday Americans looking for hidden treasures in old jars or inherited collections.

Key Date / Variety	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1913-S Variety 2	$350 – $500	$2,000 – $40,000+
1916 Double Die Obverse	$800 – $2,500	$15,000 – $100,000+
1918/7-D Overdate	$1,000 – $3,500	$20,000 – $250,000+
1937-D 3-Legged Variety	$450 – $800	$2,000 – $50,000+

Finding an old coin with a Native American portrait and a buffalo on the back is an exciting moment for any casual collector. Many people turn to a top coin identifier app to quickly check if their pocket change might be a retirement-funding rarity.

While common Buffalo Nickels are often worth only a few dollars, specific “Key Dates” and minting errors can command staggering prices at auction. If you are unsure exactly what you have, using a tool like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common 1936 nickel and a high-value variety.

The 1913-S Variety 2 Buffalo Nickel

The first year of the Buffalo Nickel in 1913 featured two distinct designs. “Variety 1” shows the buffalo standing on a mound, while “Variety 2” features the buffalo on a flat line. The “S” mint mark version of Variety 2 is significantly more elusive.

Because the design on the mound wore down quickly, the Mint adjusted the design within the first year. The San Francisco mint produced fewer of the Variety 2 coins, making them a “Holy Grail” for collectors today.

If you find a 1913-S with the flat ground underneath the buffalo, you are looking at a coin consistently selling for hundreds in low grades and thousands in better condition. Check current market data for this specific 1913 Buffalo Nickel value to see how much your specimen might be worth.

The Legendary 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel

Perhaps the most famous error in American numismatics is the 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel. This coin was created when a mint worker accidentally polished a die too aggressively, removing the buffalo’s front right leg.

To check if your 1937-D is the real deal, look for the missing front leg and a “bleeding” effect from the buffalo’s belly onto the ground. Beware of fakes where someone has simply filed off the leg; a genuine 3-legged variety will have a distinct look.

Condition	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$400 – $500
Fine (F-12)	$600 – $750
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$1,100 – $1,500
Uncirculated (MS-60+)	$2,500 – $30,000+

This coin remains a high-priority target for collectors, and using CoinKnow can help you verify the specific die markers that separate a genuine error from a post-mint alteration.

Valuable Overdates: 1918/7-D and 1914/3

Overdates occur when a mint worker strikes a new year over an old one on the coin hub. For the Buffalo series, the 1918/7-D is the king of these errors. In this case, you can clearly see the “7” underneath the “8” in the date.

Another rare one is the 1914/3, which is harder to spot with the naked eye. These coins are extremely valuable because they represent a unique moment in history where minting errors were more common due to manual production processes.

For a detailed breakdown of Buffalo nickel error values, you should look for visual guides that show where the overlapping lines occur. Even in heavily worn condition, a 1918/7-D can fetch over $1,000.

Mastering the 1920s Buffalo Nickel Keys

During the 1920s, the Buffalo Nickel saw high production, but many were circulated heavily. This means finding “Mint State” (unworn) coins from this era is difficult.

Specifically, the 1921-S, 1924-S, and 1926-S are the standout “condition rarities.” While a worn 1926-S might only be worth $20, one in pristine condition can sell for over $100,000 because so few survived the decade without being spent.

Date & Mint	Why it’s Rare	Price Range
1921-S	Low mintage SF strike	$50 – $25,000
1924-S	Rare in high grades	$30 – $60,000
1926-S	Lowest mintage in series	$25 – $350,000

If you happen to find a stash of 1920s nickels, look at them under a magnifying glass. If the luster is still there and the buffalo’s tail is sharp, you might be holding a small fortune.

The 1916 Double Die Obverse Error

One of the most dramatic errors is the 1916 Double Die Obverse. On this nickel, the date “1916” is doubled, looking like a ghost image appears next to the numbers.

This is not to be confused with “machine doubling,” which is common and adds no value. A true double die was created when the die itself was engraved incorrectly. These are incredibly rare and highly sought after by professionals.

Because of the high price point, this is another instance where CoinKnow helps by providing high-resolution references to compare your coin against. Without authentication, many buyers will be wary of these rare errors.

What Makes a Buffalo Nickel Worth Money?

When determining value, three factors matter most: the Date, the Mint Mark, and the Condition. The mint mark can be found on the reverse side (the buffalo side), just below the words “FIVE CENTS.”

Coins with no mark were made in Philadelphia. An “S” stands for San Francisco, and a “D” stands for Denver. Generally, “S” and “D” nickels are more valuable because they were produced in smaller quantities.

Condition is graded on a scale of 1 to 70. A coin that looks like it just came from the mint (MS-60 to MS-67) is worth exponentially more than a coin where the date is barely readable. If the date is completely worn off, the coin is usually worth less than a dollar, though “Nic-A-Date” chemicals can sometimes restore the numbers for identification.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a Buffalo Nickel?

A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, right underneath the “FIVE CENTS” text at the bottom. You will see a small “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco, or no mark at all for Philadelphia.

Q: Why is the date often worn off on Buffalo Nickels?

A: The date was placed on one of the highest points of the coin’s design. This caused it to rub against other coins and fingers more frequently, leading it to wear away faster than the rest of the image.

Q: How can I tell if my 3-legged Buffalo Nickel is real?

A: A real 3-legged 1937-D nickel will have a missing front right leg, but the hoof will still be visible on the ground. Additionally, the buffalo’s rear leg will have a “ragged” look, and the area where the leg should be will have a rougher texture from the over-polishing.

Q: Is a Buffalo Nickel with a blurry date worth anything?

A: Generally, “dateless” Buffalo Nickels are worth about 10 to 25 cents. However, if it’s a rare mint mark like an “S”, it might still have a small premium. Collectors usually prefer coins where the date is clearly visible.