Top 6 Buffalo Nickels That Could Be Worth $500,000 – And 5 More Worth Investigating
Buffalo Nickels, minted between 1913 and 1938, have become highly sought-after collectibles, with certain rare specimens fetching impressive sums at auctions.
In this article, we’ll explore six Buffalo Nickels that have reached values up to $500,000, along with five additional coins worth investigating for their potential investment value.
Top 6 Buffalo Nickels Worth Up to $500,000
- 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel This coin features a notable overdate error, where the ‘8’ is stamped over a ‘7’ in the date, making it a rare find. In 2010, a specimen graded MS65 sold for $264,500.
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Buffalo Nickel The 1916 DDO displays a significant doubling on the obverse side. A high-grade example (MS64) fetched $264,500 in 2005.
- 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel With a low mintage from the San Francisco Mint, this coin is particularly scarce. In 2021, a PR66 graded example sold for $192,000.
- 1917-S Buffalo Nickel Another rare coin from the San Francisco Mint, a 1917-S graded MS67 was auctioned for $138,000 in 2008.
- 1926-S Buffalo Nickel Known for its low mintage and poor strike quality, a well-preserved 1926-S in MS66 grade sold for $115,000 in 2011.
- 1919-S Buffalo Nickel This coin is rare in higher grades; an MS66 example sold for $109,250 in 2006.
Five More Buffalo Nickels Worth Investigating
- 1924-S Buffalo Nickel With a mintage of 1,437,000, this coin is scarce, especially in higher grades. Values can reach up to $50,000 for well-preserved specimens.
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel A minting error resulted in the buffalo appearing to have only three legs. This unique feature makes it highly collectible, with values up to $150,000.
- 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel The Denver Mint produced a limited number of these coins, making them valuable to collectors. High-grade examples can fetch significant sums.
- 1921-S Buffalo Nickel With a mintage of 1,557,000, this coin is rare, particularly in uncirculated condition. Values can reach up to $2,000.
- 1936-D Three-and-a-Half Legs Buffalo Nickel Another mint error resulted in the buffalo’s front leg appearing partially missing. These coins are valued for their uniqueness, with prices reaching $20,700.
| Year | Mint Mark | Variety | Grade | Auction Price | Auction Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | D | Overdate 8/7 | MS65 | $264,500 | 2010 |
| 1916 | None | Doubled Die Obverse | MS64 | $264,500 | 2005 |
| 1913 | S | Type 2 | PR66 | $192,000 | 2021 |
| 1917 | S | Regular Strike | MS67 | $138,000 | 2008 |
| 1926 | S | Regular Strike | MS66 | $115,000 | 2011 |
| 1919 | S | Regular Strike | MS66 | $109,250 | 2006 |
Collecting Buffalo Nickels can be both a rewarding hobby and a lucrative investment. By focusing on rare dates, minting errors, and well-preserved specimens, collectors can acquire coins that not only hold historical significance but also substantial monetary value.
Whether you’re new to coin collecting or an experienced numismatist, these Buffalo Nickels are worth exploring for their potential to enhance your collection and investment portfolio.
FAQs
What makes a Buffalo Nickel valuable?
Factors such as rarity, minting errors, condition, and historical significance contribute to a Buffalo Nickel’s value.
How can I determine the grade of my Buffalo Nickel?
Professional coin grading services can assess your coin’s condition and assign a grade, which significantly impacts its value.
Where can I sell my valuable Buffalo Nickels?
Reputable coin dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces are common venues for selling rare coins.
