If you’ve ever dug through your grandpa’s coin jar or wandered through an antique store, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a Buffalo Nickel. But did you know that some of these old five-cent coins can be worth a small fortune? Yep, you read that right — a little piece of nickel and copper could fetch thousands (even millions!) of dollars.
Let’s dig in and explore the 7 most expensive Buffalo Nickels ever sold. Spoiler alert: These aren’t your everyday pocket change.
What Is a Buffalo Nickel, Anyway?
Before we jump into the big-ticket coins, let’s get you up to speed.
A Quick Buffalo Nickel Overview
Buffalo Nickels, also called Indian Head Nickels, were minted in the U.S. from 1913 to 1938. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, these coins feature a Native American profile on the front and a bison (buffalo) on the back. They’re beautiful, iconic, and packed with historical charm.
Why Are They So Valuable?
So, what turns a nickel into a numismatic goldmine?
- Rarity
- Minting errors
- Limited circulation
- Historical significance
- Exceptional condition (graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC)
Now that you’re up to speed, let’s count down the top 7 most expensive Buffalo Nickels.
#1: 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel – The Outlier That Stole the Show
Okay, curveball. Technically, this isn’t a Buffalo Nickel — but it’s directly connected.
Why Is It Included?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was minted in secret just before the Buffalo design took over. Only five of these exist. One sold for over $4.5 million!
Now, back to the real stars of the show…
#2: 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Obsession
This bad boy is a classic minting error. A “1918/7-D” has the “8” stamped over a previously struck “7”.
What Makes It So Special?
- Minted in Denver
- Obvious overdate mistake
- Only a few high-grade specimens survive
Top Sale: $350,750 (MS65 grade)
It’s the kind of error that collectors drool over!
#3: 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – Rarest of the Regulars
This one’s not an error. It’s just seriously rare, especially in high grade.
Why It Stands Out
- Only 970,000 minted — lowest of the entire Buffalo Nickel series
- Most were poorly struck
- Finding one in pristine condition is like spotting a unicorn in your backyard
Top Sale: $105,750 (MS66 grade)
#4: 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel – Short Run, Big Value
The U.S. Mint made two versions of the 1913 Buffalo Nickel — Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 was introduced later in the same year with a redesigned mound beneath the buffalo.
What’s the Deal?
- The San Francisco mint didn’t produce many Type 2s
- High-grade coins are rare and pricey
Top Sale: $86,250 (MS67 grade)
#5: 1916 Doubled Die Obverse – Blink and You’ll Miss It
Yet another coin collector’s dream — a doubled die error.
What’s a Doubled Die?
It means the design elements were accidentally stamped twice — and slightly off — during production. Think of it like a ghost image overlay.
Key Features
- Doubling seen in the date and lettering
- Scarce in all conditions
Top Sale: $281,750 (MS64 grade)
#6: 1924-S Buffalo Nickel – Sleeper Hit
This one’s the underdog of the bunch. It’s often overshadowed by flashier coins, but collectors know its value.
Why It’s Coveted
- Only 1.4 million minted
- Poor strikes were common
- Very few exist in mint state
Top Sale: $105,750 (MS66 grade)
Not too shabby for something that once bought a gumball!
#7: 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel – The Famous Mistake
Here’s the most iconic of them all. In a rush to clean a worn die, a mint worker overdid it and erased one of the buffalo’s legs. Whoops.
What’s the Buzz?
- The buffalo appears to have only three legs
- Instantly recognizable error
- Widely sought-after
Top Sale: $97,750 (MS66 grade)
It’s not just a mistake — it’s a legend in the coin world.
Bonus: Factors That Determine Buffalo Nickel Value
Want to know if your old nickel is worth anything? Here are some key things to consider:
1. Mint Mark
Look under the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse side. You’ll see either no mark (Philadelphia), a “D” (Denver), or an “S” (San Francisco).
2. Date
Some years are more valuable than others. Early mint years and error dates often carry more weight.
3. Condition (a.k.a. Grade)
From “Good” to “Mint State,” condition dramatically affects price. Coins graded by PCGS or NGC with MS65+ ratings bring in serious bucks.
4. Errors & Oddities
Double strikes, off-center prints, or missing features — mistakes can mean money!
How to Identify Rare Buffalo Nickels
Use a Magnifying Glass
A magnifier or jeweler’s loupe helps spot those teeny-tiny details that make a big difference.
Look for Doubling and Legs
Especially on the 1916 and 1937-D varieties. Check for leg counts and doubled digits.
Consult a Price Guide
Use a reputable coin pricing guide or online database. Even better? Get a professional appraisal.
Collecting Buffalo Nickels: Tips for Beginners
Thinking about starting your own collection? Here are a few quick tips:
- Start with affordable dates and work your way up
- Buy from reputable dealers or auction houses
- Avoid “cleaned” coins — they lose value
- Store coins in protective holders or albums
- Join a coin collecting club or online forum for support
Where to Buy or Sell High-Value Buffalo Nickels
Here’s where you can get in on the action:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- GreatCollections
- eBay (be cautious, do your research!)
- Local coin shows or dealers
Final Thoughts: These Nickels Are No Small Change
Let’s face it — most of us wouldn’t give a second thought to a nickel lying on the ground. But as we’ve seen, some of those five-cent pieces are worth more than a brand-new car. Or a house. Or a luxury vacation.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newbie, these 7 most expensive Buffalo Nickels are reminders that hidden treasures can sometimes be found in the most ordinary places.
So, the next time you hear a clink in your pocket, maybe — just maybe — you’ve got something more than spare change.
FAQs About Buffalo Nickels
1. How do I know if my Buffalo Nickel is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and overall condition. Errors or rare mint years usually mean higher value. Consider getting it appraised professionally.
2. What’s the most valuable Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
The 1918/7-D Doubled Die Nickel holds the title among true Buffalo Nickels, selling for $350,750.
3. Can I find a valuable Buffalo Nickel in circulation today?
It’s rare, but not impossible. Most valuable ones have already been pulled out, but it never hurts to check your change!
4. How can I get my Buffalo Nickel graded?
Submit it to a certified coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
5. Are Buffalo Nickels a good investment?
They can be, especially rare and high-grade ones. But like all collectibles, values can fluctuate — so research before investing.
Would you like a printable checklist of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels to help with your collection?