Buffalo Nickels (1913 - 1938)

Buffalo Nickels - APMEX offers a superb selection of Buffalo Nickels. The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most popular designs with coin collectors. Its design of a Native American chief on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse have made it a national favorite. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo (or Indian Head) nickel was minted between 1913 and 1938. It completed a successful government-mandated run of 25 years in circulation. A notable coin is the 1937-D Buffalo nickel that has only 3 legs, which was caused by excessive die polishing. In 1913, two distinct types of this nickel were created. Type 1 was only minted for a few months and features the words “five cents” on a raised mound on the reverse. Recognizing that this mound would quickly wear down, the mound was removed to create the Type 2 Buffalo Nickel.

History of the Buffalo Nickel

As part of an effort to beautify the coins in the early part of the 20th century, there were five denominations that received new designs between 1907 and 1909. The Taft administration was overly impressed with Fraser's Buffalo design because it captured the essence of our American land, paying homage to the Native Americans and the American Bison. It was the quintessential depiction of the west. The Buffalo Nickel was one of the most impressive coin designs because of its details and the respect it pays to the country. The coin design is distinct and in the words of Fraser himself he, “wanted to do something totally American, a coin that could not be mistaken for any other country's coin.” Buffalo Nickels remain one of the most popular coins among collectors today because of its historical significance and intricate design. The design was a first of its kind during that time, and it replaced Charles Barber's Liberty Head Nickel.

Collect Buffalo Nickel Coins

These collectible coins are a one-of-a-kind coin and they provide buyers and collectors a great addition to their numismatic coin collection. Its place in history is unique and it helped set a standard for American coinage and achieved its end by providing a beautiful design that was popular with the American public.

Buffalo Nickel Coin Value and Mintage:

Year	Mintage	XF-40	AU-50	MS-60
1913-D	5,337,000	$42	$60	$75
1913-D, Type II	4,156,000	$235	$260	$300
1913-S, Type I	2,105,000	$90	$110	$130
1913-S, Type II	1,209,000	$600	$750	$900
1914	20,664,463	$35	$45	$60
1914-S	3,470,000	$90	$160	$200
1915-D	7,569,000	$130	$160	$270
1915-S	1,505,000	$400	$500	$650
1918-S	4,882,000	$200	$325	$585
1921-S	1,557,000	$950	$1200	$1600
1923-S	6,142,000	$300	$400	$600
1926-S	970,000	$900	$2650	$4500
1934-D	7,480,000	$20	$45	$80
1937-D	17,826,000	$4	$10	$35

Values taken from The Guide Book of United States Coins 2018. Other grades and values are available in the book. Coin values vary, but these collectible coins will add great value to your collection.

Buffalo Nickels Key Dates

Key dates for American Buffalo Nickels include 1913-S Type 2, which features a distinct line under the artwork on the reverse, and 1915-S, minted in San Francisco. One of the most famous examples of rare Buffalo Nickels is the 1918/7-D, indicated by an “8 over 7” overdate that is clearly visible. Several other series minted at the San Francisco branch of the U.S. Mint that care considered key dates include 1921-S, 1924-S, and 1926-S. Finally, the highly prized 1937-D 3-Legged version of the Buffalo Nickel is both rare and amusing, as the buffalo depicted on the reverse seems to have only three legs. Produced in Denver, Colorado, the 3-Leg Buffalo Nickel is a fun addition to any coin collection. Other key date Buffalo Nickels include:

• 1913-S Type 2
• 1915-S
• 1918/7-D
• 1921-S
• 1924-S
• 1926-S
• 1937-D 3-Legged

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