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The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to over $12,000 for high-grade specimens. This vintage five-cent piece, struck at the Denver Mint, is a favorite among collectors due to its rugged design and historical significance during the First World War.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 – $25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $55 – $75 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $180 – $250 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $1,100 – $1,500 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | $7,500+ |
Understanding the History of the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel represents a fascinating era in American numismatics. It was part of the James Earle Fraser design series, which replaced the Liberty Head nickel in 1913. By 1917, the United States was entering World War I, and the Denver Mint was tasked with keeping up with the demand for commerce. If you’ve recently found one of these in an old jar, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm its authenticity instantly.
Unlike the Philadelphia mint, which produced over 51 million nickels that year, the Denver Mint (indicated by the “D” mint mark) produced a much smaller batch of approximately 9.9 million. This lower mintage naturally makes the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel more desirable to collectors than its common counterpart. When you use CoinKnow, you can see how rarity and mint location significantly impact the market price of your found treasures.
The design itself is uniquely American, featuring a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison (popularly called a buffalo) on the reverse. Because the “D” mint mark is located on the reverse, just below the “FIVE CENTS” inscription, it is one of the first things a collector looks for. If that “D” is missing, you have a Philadelphia strike, which carries a much lower premium in circulated grades.
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How to Identify and Grade Your 1917-D Buffalo Nickel
Grading is the most critical factor in determining the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Value. Because the nickel was a workhorse coin used daily in the early 20th century, most surviving examples are heavily worn. Professional grading services look at specific high points on the coin to determine its “state of preservation.” For a deep dive into technical data, you can check the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel MS grade pricing to see how even a slight bump in quality can result in thousands of dollars in value.
On the obverse (the face side), check the date. The date on Buffalo Nickels was unfortunately placed on a raised area, meaning it was often the first part of the coin to wear away. A 1917-D with a “full date” (where all four digits are clear) is worth significantly more than one where the date is fading or partial. If the date is completely gone, the coin is generally only worth its metal content or a few cents as a “cull.”
On the reverse (back side), look at the buffalo’s horn and tail. In “Good” condition, the buffalo will be a flat silhouette. In “Fine” condition, you should see about half of the horn. In “Extra Fine” or “Mint State” conditions, the horn should be sharp, and the fur on the buffalo’s head should show distinct texture. CoinKnow provides high-resolution photo comparisons to help you decide if your coin is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
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| Grade | Visual Description |
|---|---|
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Slight wear on the hip and hair; most mint luster remains. |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | The buffalo’s horn is visible but worn. The date is very clear. |
| Good (G-4) | The date is readable but faint. The rims are starting to merge with the design. |
The Significance of the Denver Mint Mark
The “D” mint mark is the small letter located on the reverse of the coin, right under the words “FIVE CENTS.” Collectors prize the Denver issues from this era because the dies used at the Denver Mint were often worn down, leading to “weak strikes.” A 1917-D Buffalo Nickel with a “strong strike”—meaning all the details are crisp—is a rarity and commands a massive premium.
For everyday Americans, spotting that “D” is like finding a small treasure. While a 1917 nickel from Philadelphia might only fetch $5 or $10 in average condition, the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel worth starts much higher due to the lower mintage figures from that branch mint. It is one of the “key dates” for intermediate collectors trying to complete a full set of Buffalo Nickels.
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Why was the Denver Mint mintage so much lower? During 1917, the main Philadelphia mint bore the brunt of the production load for domestic coinage and coins for foreign allies. Denver and San Francisco acted as supplements. Using the CoinKnow app, you can track the auction history of Denver-minted nickels to see how their prices have steadily climbed over the last decade as high-quality survivors become harder to find.
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 1917-D isn’t as famous for errors as the 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo, there are still things to watch for. Die cracks and “lamination errors” (where the metal peels) are common in this series. While these aren’t always valuable, they add a unique character to the coin that some specialized collectors are willing to pay extra for.
One specific area to investigate is the “Doubled Die” potential. Although no major 1917-D doubled die is as legendary as the 1916 Philadelphia variety, minor doubling on the date or the lettering can still occur. Using a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera phone with the CoinKnow image recognition feature can help you spot these tiny imperfections that the naked eye might miss.
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Another thing to watch for is “re-punched mint marks.” Because mint marks were hand-punched into the dies in 1917, sometimes the punch was hit twice, creating a slight shadow or doubling of the “D.” These varieties are niche but can turn a $50 coin into a $150 coin for the right buyer. Always keep an eye out for anything that looks “off” about the lettering or symbols.
| Feature | What to Look For | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Date Clarity | Are all digits sharp and raised? | High: Full dates are essential. |
| Mint Mark | Is the “D” clear or mushy? | Medium: Strong strikes are rare. |
| Luster | Does it have a “cartwheel” shine? | Extreme: Required for MS grades. |
Investing in 1917-D Buffalo Nickels
If you are looking at the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel as a potential investment, the “sweet spot” is often in the mid-range grades like VF (Very Fine) or XF (Extremely Fine). In these grades, the coin is still affordable for the average person—usually between $60 and $200—but it has enough detail to remain desirable for decades. Unlike the common 1930s nickels, the 1917-D has a proven track record of value retention.
For those with a larger budget, “Mint State” (MS) coins are the ultimate goal. A 1917-D that looks like it just came off the press is exceptionally rare. Many of these coins were put straight into circulation to pay for bread and newspapers, meaning that less than 1% of the original mintage survived in pristine condition. When an MS-66 or MS-67 1917-D hits the auction block, it often makes headlines in the coin collecting community.
Always remember to “buy the coin, not the holder.” While professional grading is important, pay attention to the eye appeal. A coin with beautiful natural toning (colors like blue, gold, or purple that develop over time) can often sell for more than a blast-white coin of the same numerical grade. Collectors love “originality,” so never attempt to clean your coin! Cleaning a 1917-D will instantly strip away 50-80% of its market value.
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Where to Sell Your Buffalo Nickel
Deciding where to sell is just as important as knowing the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Value. If your coin is in rough shape (heavily worn), a local coin shop is often the easiest place to get a fair cash offer. They will likely pay you a percentage of the “Grey Sheet” (wholesale) price. For a quick estimate before you walk into a shop, CoinKnow can give you a baseline so you don’t get underpaid.
If you have a high-grade or “Mint State” coin, consider a specialized numismatic auction house. Because the 1917-D is a semi-key date, it will attract competitive bidding from serious collectors. Selling on platforms like eBay is also an option, but be sure to take very clear, high-resolution photos and describe the coin accurately to avoid returns or disputes.
Finally, consider getting your coin certified if it looks like it’s in “Extra Fine” condition or better. A certified coin (in a plastic “slab”) is much easier to sell because the buyer doesn’t have to guess the grade. Certification provides a guarantee of authenticity, which is vital when dealing with 100-year-old coins that can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1917 nickel is from the Denver Mint?
A: Turn the coin to the reverse (the side with the buffalo). Look at the area directly under the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small letter “D,” it was minted in Denver. If you see an “S,” it’s from San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Should I clean my 1917-D Buffalo Nickel to make it look newer?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural patina or tarnish that develops over a century. Cleaning causes tiny scratches on the surface that any professional can spot, and it will significantly reduce the coin’s value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Why is my 1917 nickel’s date so hard to read?
A: The Buffalo Nickel design had the date on a raised portion of the Indian head’s shoulder. Because this was one of the highest points on the coin, it rubbed against other coins and fingers more than any other part. Most Buffalo Nickels from the early years (1913-1920) suffer from “date wear.”
Q: Is a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel with no date worth anything?
A: Unfortunately, a “dateless” Buffalo Nickel is generally only worth about 10 to 25 cents. Collectors need to see the date to verify the year and rarity. Even if you know it’s a 1917-D based on other design markers, the lack of a clear date makes it a “filler” coin at best.
Q: What is the most expensive 1917-D Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS-66 or MS-67 can sell for over $20,000 at major auctions. These coins are exceptionally rare because they have survived over 100 years without a single scratch or sign of wear.