Buffalo nickels, minted between 1913 and 1938, are some of the most loved coins in American history. Featuring a Native American on one side and an American bison on the other, these coins are prized for their artistic beauty. While many Buffalo nickels are common, a few rare ones are worth huge amounts—sometimes over $500,000! These coins are rare because of minting mistakes, low production, or unique features.
Top Rare Buffalo Nickels
Here’s a closer look at seven Buffalo nickels that have made collectors rich:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Type 1
This coin marks the change from Liberty Head nickels to Buffalo nickels. It has a limited mintage, with sharp details that make it a collector’s dream. A high-grade coin can be worth $500,000+.
2. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1916 Buffalo nickel is famous for its doubling error on the obverse (front) of the coin. This clear mistake makes it one of the most valuable error coins. It has sold for over $550,000 in top condition.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
This error happened when a die-polishing process removed one of the buffalo’s legs, creating the famous “three-legged” buffalo. This coin is a must-have for collectors and can fetch $575,000+.
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
With the lowest mintage in the Buffalo nickel series, the 1926-S is extremely rare. Finding one in excellent condition is nearly impossible, making its auction price soar to $500,000+.
Rare Buffalo Nickels
| Coin Name | Year of Minting | Error/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | 1913 | Transitional Design | $500,000+ |
| 1916 Doubled Die | 1916 | Doubled Obverse | $550,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | 1937 | Missing Buffalo Leg | $575,000+ |
| 1926-S | 1926 | Lowest Mintage | $500,000+ |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 1918 | Overdate Error | $550,000+ |
| 1913-S Type 2 | 1913 | Limited Production | $600,000+ |
| 1936-D Doubled Die | 1936 | Doubling on Obverse | $525,000+ |
5. 1918/7-D Overdate
This coin is an overdate error, where the “7” overlaps with the “8” on the date. It’s a unique and highly sought-after piece, with prices reaching $550,000+ in auctions.
6. 1913-S Type 2
Minted in San Francisco, this coin had a very low production run. Its sharp details and rarity make it one of the most expensive Buffalo nickels, valued at $600,000+.
7. 1936-D Doubled Die Obverse
Another doubled die error, the 1936-D Buffalo nickel, features noticeable doubling on the obverse. This coin is a collector’s favorite and has sold for $525,000+.
Conclusion
Buffalo nickels aren’t just old coins—they’re pieces of history and could be worth a fortune. If you’ve got some old nickels lying around, it’s worth checking for rare dates or errors. With values reaching $600,000+, finding one of these rare coins could change your life. Get your coins graded and explore their true value—you might just have a treasure in your pocket!
FAQ’s
What makes Buffalo nickels so valuable?
Unique features like mint errors, low mintage, and exceptional condition make them rare and valuable.
How can I find out if my Buffalo nickel is valuable?
Look for rare dates, errors, or missing features like a leg on the buffalo. Have your coin graded by experts.
Where can I sell rare Buffalo nickels?
You can sell them at auctions, to collectors, or on online marketplaces after getting them graded.