The Buffalo Nickel, struck from 1913 to 1938, is one of the most iconic American coins. With its bold Native American portrait on the obverse and a mighty bison on the reverse, the series is considered a masterpiece of U.S. coinage. But beyond its artistry, certain dates, mintmarks, and error varieties have become true treasures in the numismatic world.
The Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels In Numismatics History
While many Buffalo Nickels trade for only a few dollars in circulated grades, the rarest examples have shattered records at auction—some bringing well over $300,000. This guide covers the 10 most valuable Buffalo Nickels, complete with collector values in circulated and uncirculated grades, plus auction records that show just how high demand can go.
Table of Contents
1) 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Overdate) – $350,750
Why It’s Valuable: The legendary overdate variety was created when a 1917 working die was repunched with 1918. The underlying “7” is clearly visible beneath the “8.” Because it circulated heavily before being discovered, Mint State survivors are rare.
- Circulated: $2,000–$10,000+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $40,000–$125,000+
- Auction Record: $350,750 (PCGS MS65, Bowers & Merena, 2006)
Collector’s Tip: Look closely at the “8” in the date—the remnants of the “7” can be seen within the loops.
2) 1916 Doubled Die Obverse – $281,750
Why It’s Valuable: Strong doubling can be seen in the date, Liberty’s chin, feathers, and hair tie. This dramatic error is one of the most sought-after varieties in the series, comparable to the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent.
- Circulated: $2,500–$10,000+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $50,000–$150,000+
- Auction Record: $281,750 (PCGS MS64, Bowers & Merena, 2004)
Authentication Tip: The doubling is strongest on the “6” in the date—avoid machine doubling, which is far less valuable.
Check: Buffalo Nickels Guide
3) 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – $322,000
Why It’s Valuable: With a mintage of just 970,000, the 1926-S is the lowest-mintage circulation strike in the entire series. Unfortunately, most were weakly struck, making high-grade examples even more elusive.
- Circulated: $30–$300+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $5,000–$20,000+
- Auction Record: $322,000 (NGC MS66, Bowers & Merena, 2008)
Market Insight: Even in lower Mint State grades, this coin commands strong premiums due to its rarity.
4) 1920-D Buffalo Nickel – $138,000
Why It’s Valuable: Although over 9 million were minted, the 1920-D is notoriously difficult to find with sharp strikes. Fully detailed examples are condition rarities, and gem survivors are among the toughest in the series.
- Circulated: $10–$100+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $3,000–$15,000+
- Auction Record: $138,000 (PCGS MS67, Bowers & Merena, 2008)
Collector’s Note: Look for strong detail in the bison’s hind legs and tail. Most coins are weakly struck.
5) 1917-S Buffalo Nickel – $138,000
Why It’s Valuable: The San Francisco Mint struck over 4 million coins in 1917, but poor strike quality makes high-grade survivors very rare. Clash marks and weak details are common.
- Circulated: $15–$150+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $1,000–$8,000+
- Auction Record: $138,000 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auctions, 2008)
Fun Fact: The “Two Feathers” variety (caused by overpolishing the obverse die) also appears in this year.
6) 1927-S Buffalo Nickel – $125,350
Why It’s Valuable: With a mintage of 3.4 million, the 1927-S is not rare in lower grades, but Mint State examples above MS64 are extremely scarce.
- Circulated: $10–$75+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $2,000–$12,000+
- Auction Record: $125,350 (PCGS MS66, Bowers & Merena, 2008)
Collector’s Note: Many were hoarded early, so circulated examples are easy to find—but gems are virtually unattainable.
7) 1924-S Buffalo Nickel – $105,750
Why It’s Valuable: With a mintage of 1.4 million, this San Francisco issue is tough to find in Mint State. Most entered circulation, and strike quality is notoriously poor.
- Circulated: $15–$200+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $1,000–$6,000+
- Auction Record: $105,750 (PCGS MS66+, Stacks Bowers, 2016)
Market Note: Expect weak detail on the bison’s tail, even on higher-grade examples.
8) 1937-D “Three Legged” Buffalo Nickel – $99,875
Why It’s Valuable: This famous variety was created when overpolishing of the reverse die removed the bison’s front leg. Its dramatic appearance makes it the most popular Buffalo Nickel error.
- Circulated: $500–$3,000+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $10,000–$40,000+
- Auction Record: $99,875 (PCGS MS66+, Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2021)
Collector’s Tip: Look for the missing leg and die scratches near the bison’s belly.
9) 1919-S Buffalo Nickel – $109,250
Why It’s Valuable: Although over 7 million were struck, the 1919-S is poorly struck and very rare in gem condition. A true condition rarity that commands huge premiums at the top end.
- Circulated: $15–$150+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $1,500–$7,500+
- Auction Record: $109,250 (PCGS MS66, Heritage Auctions, 2006)
Insight: Prices have softened as more examples have surfaced in MS66, but it remains a top Buffalo Nickel rarity.
10) 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel – $79,312
Why It’s Valuable: The very first year of issue, showing the bison standing on a raised mound. Because the denomination wore off quickly, the Mint modified the design later that year to Type 2.
- Circulated: $5–$100+
- Uncirculated (MS-60+): $500–$2,000+
- Auction Record: $79,312 (PCGS MS68+, Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2021)
Quick Fact: Type 1 nickels are common in circulated grades, but top-end gems are extremely rare.
Buffalo Nickel Value Chart
| Date / Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Overdate | $2,000–$10,000+ | $40,000–$125,000+ | $350,750 |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | $2,500–$10,000+ | $50,000–$150,000+ | $281,750 |
| 1926-S | $30–$300+ | $5,000–$20,000+ | $322,000 |
| 1920-D | $10–$100+ | $3,000–$15,000+ | $138,000 |
| 1917-S | $15–$150+ | $1,000–$8,000+ | $138,000 |
| 1927-S | $10–$75+ | $2,000–$12,000+ | $125,350 |
| 1924-S | $15–$200+ | $1,000–$6,000+ | $105,750 |
| 1937-D 3-Legged | $500–$3,000+ | $10,000–$40,000+ | $99,875 |
| 1919-S | $15–$150+ | $1,500–$7,500+ | $109,250 |
| 1913 Type 1 | $5–$100+ | $500–$2,000+ | $79,312 |
How to Authenticate Rare Buffalo Nickels
- Look for strike issues: San Francisco and Denver issues often show weak detail.
- Verify major varieties: The 1918/7-D overdate and 1937-D 3-legged are the most counterfeited.
- Grade carefully: Condition rarity drives value—jumping one grade can mean thousands of dollars.
- Certification: For any Buffalo Nickel worth over $500, consider PCGS or NGC grading.
GoldSilverStacks Key Insights
Buffalo Nickels are an American classic—beloved for their bold design and packed with numismatic rarities. From the legendary 1918/7-D Overdate to the famous 1937-D Three Legged, these coins can range from pocket change finds to six-figure auction stars.
Key Takeaways:
- The 1918/7-D Overdate holds the auction record at $350,750.
- The 1926-S is the lowest-mintage regular issue.
- Condition rarities like the 1919-S and 1927-S bring huge premiums in Mint State.
- Famous varieties (1916 DDO, 1937-D 3-Legged) remain collector favorites.
Whether you’re hunting rolls, building a set, or studying auction records, Buffalo Nickels offer opportunities for every level of collector.
What are the most valuable Buffalo Nickels?
The most valuable Buffalo Nickels include rare key dates and varieties such as the 1918/7-D Overdate, 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1926-S, 1924-S, and the 1937-D Three-Legged. Auction records show these coins selling from $100,000 to over $350,000, while even circulated examples can bring hundreds or thousands.
What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
The 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel is considered the most valuable. In 2006, a PCGS MS65 example sold for $350,750 at auction, setting the all-time record for the series.
What year is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
The most valuable year for Buffalo Nickels is 1918, due to the famous 1918/7-D Overdate variety. Standard 1918 issues are common, but the overdate error makes this year the top rarity, with prices ranging from $2,000 in circulated condition to over $300,000 in Mint State.
What is the most valuable mint for a Buffalo Nickel?
The San Francisco Mint (S-mint) produced several of the rarest and most valuable Buffalo Nickels, including the 1926-S, 1924-S, and 1927-S. These S-mint coins are known for low mintages, weak strikes, and conditional rarity, making them highly prized by collectors.
