Buffalo nickels (also called Indian Head nickels) were struck from 1913 to 1938. Many circulated heavily and suffered wear, which makes rare dates, error strikes, and high grade survivors especially desirable among numismatists.
What Drives Value in Buffalo Nickels
- Rarity / low mintage or few survivors
- Error varieties (overdates, doubled dies, missing elements)
- High grade / sharp strike / eye appeal
- Certification / provenance
Top 10 Buffalo Nickels & Their Highlights
Below is a table summarizing ten of the most prized Buffalo nickels:
| Rank / Year / Variety | Why It’s Rare / Error | Reported Auction / Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Overdate | A “7” overlying an 8 die error; extremely rare | $350,000+ in high grade |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | Significant doubling on date and “FIVE CENTS” | $300,000+ in top grades |
| 1926-S (San Francisco) | Lowest mintage Buffalo nickel (970,000) | $250,000+ for uncirculated examples |
| 1913-S Type 2 | First year, San Francisco mint, “flat mound” version | $175,000+ in mint state |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Variety | Die polishing removed one leg of the buffalo | $125,000+ for quality examples |
| 1914/3 Overdate | 1914 date struck over 1913 (overdate variety) | $110,000+ if well preserved |
| 1924-S | Low mintage, weak strikes made high grades rare | $100,000+ in top condition |
| 1935 Doubled Die (Reverse) | Doubling on reverse inscriptions on some specimens | $85,000+ for strong examples |
| 1913-S Type 1 | Earlier reverse “raised mound” design, rarer in high grade | $90,000+ for uncirculated condition |
| 1915-S | San Francisco mint, lower survival rates | $80,000+ in pristine examples |
Highlights & Auction Records
- 1918/7-D Overdate is often cited as the rarest Buffalo nickel, featuring an overdate error that’s very seldom seen in high grade.
- 1916 DDO is another fan favorite, with strong doubling visible on date and motto.
- 1937-D Three-Legged is among the most recognized US coin errors of all time, due to die over-polishing.
- Some specimens of these nickels have sold for hundreds of thousands; for example, a recent 1917-S Buffalo nickel sold for $90,000 due to exceptional sharpness and grade.
- The 1937-D Three-Legged variety still commands high values in top condition, often exceeding $100,000.
- Lower-mintage issues like 1926-S remain elusive in uncirculated condition, pushing their values upward.
Tips for Collectors & What to Watch
- Always inspect sharpness of design elements like buffalo horn, tail, and date.
- Use full horn / full cheek indicators for strike quality.
- Be cautious of altered or plated coins marketed as rarities.
- Always aim to obtain certification from trusted grading services.
- Compare with recent auction realizations to stay current on market shifts.
Buffalo nickels combine design majesty with collectible challenge. Certain dates like 1918/7-D, 1916 DDO, and 1937-D Three-Legged top the charts, fetching six-figure sums. If you find one in sharp condition, especially certified, you may hold more than just a piece of history—you may hold a significant numismatic treasure.
FAQs
Which Buffalo nickel is considered the #1 rarity?
Many experts regard the 1918/7-D Overdate as the top rarity in the series, due to its extreme scarcity in high grades.
How much can a good 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel fetch?
In excellent condition with full details, it frequently exceeds $100,000 at auction.
Are Buffalo nickels still a good collector investment today?
Yes — strong demand, declining populations of high-grade survivors, and ongoing interest keep values robust for rare varieties.