Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) Value
1913–1938 · 5¢ · 75% copper, 25% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.50 |
| Good (G-4) | $2.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $10.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $60.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $180.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $900.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 | First year, mound reverse — key early date | $100–$3,000 |
| 1916 DDO | Doubled die obverse — rare variety | $500–$10,000 |
| 1918/7-D | Overdate — highly sought | $500–$8,000 |
| 1937-D | Three-legged variety — die gouge error | $500–$5,000 |
| 1926-S | Key date | $100–$2,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James Earle Fraser
- Years
- 1913–1938
- Denomination
- 5¢
- Composition
- 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Diameter
- 21.2 mm
- Weight
- 5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head): History & Background
The Buffalo Nickel (officially the Indian Head Nickel) was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The obverse features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs. The reverse shows an American bison (Black Diamond, a resident of Central Park Zoo). The coin is famous for its high-relief design that caused rapid date wear — dateless Buffalo Nickels are extremely common and worth very little.
How to Grade a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.50 in Poor to $60.00 in Uncirculated — a 120× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $180.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) series has 5 notable key dates. The 1913-S Type 2 is valued at $100–$3,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 75% copper, 25% nickel coin, the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) (21.2mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)
The Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) (1913–1938) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this 5¢ coin was struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel with a diameter of 21.2mm and weight of 5 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $10.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $180.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) worth today?
A Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) (1913–1938) is worth between $0.50 in Poor condition and $60.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $10.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $180.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)?
The most valuable Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) is the 1913-S Type 2 — first year, mound reverse — key early date. This date is valued at $100–$3,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)?
Grading a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$10.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$60.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s?
For common-date Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)?
Yes. Known Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. This series has notable varieties such as the 1916 DDO. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) is real?
Authentic Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s weigh 5 grams and measure 21.2 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 75% copper, 25% nickel. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $58.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1913-S Type 2 command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s were made?
The Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) was produced from 1913–1938. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1913-S Type 2 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)?
Never clean a Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) a good investment?
Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.