1924 Nickel Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’ve come across a 1924 Buffalo Nickel, you’re likely wondering what it might be worth — and the answer depends more than you’d think on a few key factors. Understanding 1924 Buffalo Nickel value starts with knowing that three different mints produced this coin that year: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, and each carries a notably different price range.

Condition plays a central role in determining what you might pay or receive for one of these coins — a well-preserved example can be worth significantly more than a heavily worn one. For example, a 1924 No Mint Mark Nickel averages around $4.11 in Good condition, while a mint-state example can reach an average of $868.33. The 1924-D stands out as the most valuable of the three, with MS-grade examples averaging $1,788.00.

The 1924-S, with a mintage of just 1,437,000, is considered a semi-key coin in the Buffalo Nickel series, making it particularly interesting to collectors. In the sections below, we’ll walk through the history, design details, and a full grading breakdown to help you get a clear picture of what your coin is really worth.

 

1924 Nickel Value By Variety

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — and the mint of origin is one of the most important factors in determining a coin’s value.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1924 Nickel Worth Money

When it comes to the most valuable 1924 Buffalo Nickels sold at auction since 2002, the 1924-S stands out as the clear leader. A 1924-S graded MS-66 has reached an impressive $105,750 — the highest recorded sale among all 1924 varieties — while an MS-65 example from the same mint sold for $18,800, and even a lower MS-60 grade brought $6,600. This pattern reinforces the 1924-S’s reputation as the most sought-after coin in this year’s lineup.

The 1924-D also performs strongly at the top end of the grading scale. An MS-66 example sold for $44,063, and an MS-65 reached $15,600 — numbers that reflect both the coin’s lower surviving population in high grades and consistent collector demand.

The Philadelphia issue (no mint mark) rounds out the top tier, with an MS-67 selling for $25,200 and an MS-66 at $7,500. While it may not command the premiums of the D or S mint coins in most grades, exceptional specimens clearly still attract serious collector interest.

 

History Of The 1924 Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel — also known as the Indian Head Nickel — entered circulation on March 4, 1913. It was part of a broader push to bring more artistic and culturally significant imagery to U.S. coins, moving away from the repetitive and utilitarian designs of the previous era.

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, it reflected the nation’s identity at a time of rapid change, honoring both Native American heritage and the untamed spirit of the American West.

By 1924, the Buffalo Nickel had been in circulation for over a decade. The United States was navigating the post-World War I economic landscape, a period marked by uneven recovery across different regions.

The recession hit different parts of the country more severely than others, and in 1924 the Denver Mint was gearing up for its first production of nickels in the series. Against this backdrop, all three mints — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — struck Buffalo Nickels that year.

During the 1920s, many Buffalo Nickels from the Denver and San Francisco Mints exhibited weak strikes, particularly affecting the word “LIBERTY” and the bison’s horn and tail.

This made well-struck 1924 examples — especially from the Denver and San Francisco Mints — increasingly scarce, which is a key reason why high-grade 1924 coins command such strong collector interest today.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Is Your 1924 Nickel Rare?

Not all 1924 Buffalo Nickels are created equal — rarity depends on the mint mark, grade, and surviving population of each variety. The 1924-D and 1924-S, in particular, are considered scarcer than the Philadelphia issue in higher grades.

To quickly check how rare your specific coin might be, try our CoinValueChecker App for an instant lookup.

 

Key Features Of The 1924 Nickel

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel carries one of the most distinctly American designs in U.S. coinage history. Understanding its key features — both visual and physical — can help you better identify and assess the coin you have.

The Obverse Of The 1924 Nickel

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of a Native American chief. Fraser based the composite image on Three real individuals: Two Moons of the Cheyenne, Iron Tail of the Sioux, and John Big Tree of the Kiowa tribe.

The inscription “LIBERTY” appears near the upper-right rim. The date is struck on a raised area of the neck truncation, with Fraser’s initial “F” incused just below it. Because the date sits on a high-relief area, it tends to wear down quickly in circulation — making clearly dated examples more desirable.

The Reverse Of The 1924 Nickel

The reverse features a male North American bison standing on a raised mound, with “FIVE CENTS” inscribed on the mound below. This is the Type 2 design, which was introduced in mid-1913 and used throughout the rest of the series.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the upper edge, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears in three lines beneath it. The mint mark — “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco — is located below the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. Philadelphia-struck coins carry no mint mark.

Other Features Of The 1924 Nickel

Notably, “IN GOD WE TRUST” does not appear on this coin — its omission was intentional from the original design brief given to Fraser. The coin has a plain (smooth) edge, with no reeding, which is a standard feature of the Buffalo Nickel series throughout its entire production run from 1913 to 1938.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

1924 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced the largest number of 1924 Buffalo Nickels by far, with a mintage of 21,620,000. The Denver Mint followed at 5,258,000, while San Francisco had the smallest output at just 1,437,000.

However, mintage alone doesn’t tell the full story. When looking at survival rates, the picture shifts considerably. Despite its much higher mintage, the Philadelphia issue has a survival rate of only 0.0324% — lower than both branch mints. The 1924-D survives at 0.1141%, and the 1924-S at 0.4175%, the highest of the three.

This means that in terms of surviving examples today, all three varieties are estimated at roughly 6,000–7,000 coins each. The 1924-S, with the smallest original mintage yet a relatively higher survival rate, remains particularly notable — and its scarcity in circulation-worn grades continues to drive strong collector demand.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1924 Nickel Value

Figuring out the exact value of your 1924 Buffalo Nickel comes down to a few key factors: the mint mark, the condition of the coin, and how it compares to recent auction results. While this guide gives you a solid foundation, values can shift over time as the market evolves.

For the most up-to-date and accurate valuation, use our CoinValueChecker App — it’s the easiest way to get a reliable estimate for your specific coin.

 

1924 Nickel Value Guides

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel comes in three distinct varieties, each with its own collector profile and market standing:

• 1924 No Mint Mark Nickel — Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this is the most common of the three 1924 varieties by mintage. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark, as the mint did not place mint marks on Buffalo Nickels throughout the series. While more accessible in circulated grades, well-preserved examples in higher mint-state grades remain genuinely scarce.
• 1924-D Nickel — Produced at the Denver Mint, identified by the “D” mint mark on the reverse below “FIVE CENTS.” Denver mint examples from this period often show characteristic weak strikes, particularly in the bison’s shoulder and the Native American’s hair details, making sharply struck specimens especially desirable to collectors.
• 1924-S Nickel — The San Francisco issue is the key variety of the three. The 1924-S proves scarcest with only 1,437,000 pieces minted, and survival rates remain low due to heavy circulation patterns that wore most specimens down to Good or Very Good condition.

Each of the three 1924 Buffalo Nickel varieties tells a different story in terms of rarity and collector demand. The mint mark — or absence of one — is the first thing to check, as it directly shapes how scarce and desirable your coin is. Condition then determines where within each variety your coin stands, making these two factors the foundation of any accurate valuation.

 

1924 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1924 Philadelphia Buffalo Nickel is straightforward to find in circulated grades, but the story changes sharply as condition improves. In Gem condition, it is actually the rarest Philadelphia Mint Buffalo Nickel from 1919 to 1938 — a fact that often surprises collectors who assume higher mintage means easier to find at the top of the scale.

Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 examples survive across all grades, making it one of the most challenging Philadelphia Buffalo Nickels overall. High-grade mint-state examples, particularly MS65 and above, are genuinely hard to come by.

The auction record for this variety stands at $25,200, achieved by an MS67-graded example sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2019.

The chart below highlights notable auction results for this variety, reflecting a wide price range driven largely by grade differences.

Market activity data shows relatively consistent trading volume month over month, with occasional spikes in collector interest.

 

1924-D Nickel Value

The 1924-D is scarce in circulated grades and becomes very scarce in mint state. Like other pre-1930 Denver Mint issues, it is rare in Gem condition — though not as rare as the San Francisco issues of the same era.

Strike quality varies across surviving examples. Most are reasonably well struck, but a notable number show weakness on the bison’s horn detail. Luster on this issue tends to be frosty and iridescent in character. These strike variations make finding a sharply detailed, fully lustrous example a genuine challenge.

The auction record for this variety stands at $44,063, achieved by an MS66-graded example sold at Heritage Auctions in June 2013.

Auction records for the 1924-D show a clear premium for higher-grade examples, with significant price gaps between grades.

Monthly market activity suggests steady collector interest in this variety, with trading volume remaining fairly consistent throughout the year.

 

1924-S Nickel Value

The 1924-S is rare in circulated grades — one of the rarest dates across the entire Buffalo Nickel series. That rarity extends all the way up the grading scale. There are only a handful of MS66 specimens across major grading services, and when any of those pieces come up for sale, registry set collectors move on them quickly.

Strike quality is generally acceptable for this date, though luster on typical examples tends to be somewhat subdued and satiny in character — making examples with stronger luster noticeably more desirable. In any grade, the 1924-S is considered a key date in the Buffalo Nickel series.

The auction record stands at $105,750, achieved by an MS66+ example sold at Stack’s Bowers in November 2016.

Auction records for the 1924-S show strong price performance across grades, reflecting its consistent status as a key date.

Market activity indicates that collector demand for this variety remains active, with noticeable trading volume across most months.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1924 Nickel Error List

No errors have been officially documented and attributed specifically to the 1924 Buffalo Nickel. However, the Buffalo Nickel series as a whole is known for several recurring error types that can appear across various dates and mint marks. If you believe your 1924 coin shows signs of an error, the types below are worth knowing.

1. 1924 Nickel Weak Strike / Flat Strike

Buffalo Nickels often show incomplete details or weakly struck legends, particularly on coins from the San Francisco and Denver Mints. This occurred when dies were not pressed with enough force during the striking process, leaving design elements — such as the bison’s horn, the Native American’s hair, or the date — looking flat or undefined.

A weak strike is a production issue, not a post-mint defect, and it affects value differently depending on the degree of weakness.

2. 1924 Nickel Die Clash

A die clash happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin blank in between. This leaves faint ghost impressions of one side’s design transferred onto the other die.

On subsequent strikes, coins can show faint outlines of design elements in unexpected places. Die clashes are one of the recognized strike-related oddities that appear across the Buffalo Nickel series.

3. 1924 Nickel Doubled Die

Doubled die errors result from a hub being impressed onto a die more than once at slightly different angles, creating a doubling effect visible on lettering or design details. On Buffalo Nickels, doubling can appear on the date, “LIBERTY,” or inscriptions on the reverse.

The most notable example in the series is the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, where dramatic doubling on the date and design details is visible to the naked eye. While no doubled die has been confirmed for 1924 specifically, examining your coin under magnification is always worthwhile.

4. 1924 Nickel Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike occurs when the coin blank is not properly aligned within the collar before striking. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing, with a blank crescent of metal on one side.

While not among the most commonly documented Buffalo Nickel errors, off-center strikes do appear across various dates in the series and can carry a premium depending on how dramatically off-center the strike is.

 

Where To Sell Your 1924 Nickel?

If you’re ready to sell your 1924 Buffalo Nickel, choosing the right platform can make a real difference in the price you receive. We’ve put together a full breakdown of the Best Places To Sell Coins Online — including the pros and cons of each option — so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)  

 

FAQ About The 1924 Nickel         

1. What is the 1924 Buffalo Nickel?

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel is a five-cent coin produced by the U.S. Mint at three facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, it features a Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. It was part of the Buffalo Nickel series, which ran from 1913 to 1938.

2. How do I know which mint produced my 1924 Nickel?

Check the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” A “D” indicates the Denver Mint, while an “S” points to San Francisco. If there is no mint mark, the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The mint mark is one of the first things to identify, as it directly affects the coin’s value.

3. Which 1924 Nickel variety is the most valuable?

The 1924-S is generally the most valuable of the three varieties. It had the smallest mintage at just 1,437,000 and is considered a key date in the Buffalo Nickel series. High-grade examples are extremely scarce, and its auction record stands at $105,750 for an MS66+ example sold at Stack’s Bowers in 2016.

4. How much is a 1924 No Mint Mark Nickel worth?

Value depends heavily on condition. A circulated example in Good grade averages around $4.11, while a Fine example averages $14.83. Well-preserved mint-state examples are significantly more valuable — an MS-grade coin averages $868.33. Notably, this variety is considered the rarest Philadelphia Buffalo Nickel in Gem condition from 1919 to 1938.

5. What makes the 1924-D Nickel special?

The 1924-D is scarce in circulated grades and becomes very scarce in mint state. Many surviving examples show weak strikes, particularly on the bison’s horn, making sharply struck specimens especially desirable. Its auction record is $44,063 for an MS66-graded example. The combination of lower mintage and strike challenges makes high-quality examples difficult to find.

6. Why does condition matter so much for 1924 Nickel value?

Condition determines where a coin falls on the grading scale, from Good at the low end to Mint State at the top. Even within the same variety, price differences between grades can be dramatic. For example, a 1924-S in Good averages $3.14, while a mint-state example averages $375.83 or far more at the highest grades.

7. How many 1924 Buffalo Nickels survive today?

Based on current survival estimates, roughly 7,000 Philadelphia examples, 6,000 Denver examples, and 6,000 San Francisco examples survive across all grades.

Despite Philadelphia having the highest original mintage, its survival rate of 0.0324% is actually lower than both branch mints, making high-grade Philadelphia examples surprisingly hard to find.

8. Does the 1924 Buffalo Nickel have any known errors?

No errors have been officially documented specifically for the 1924 date. However, general Buffalo Nickel error types — including weak strikes, die clashes, doubled dies, and off-center strikes — can appear across various dates in the series. If your coin shows unusual characteristics, it’s worth examining under magnification or consulting a professional grader.

9. Why doesn’t the 1924 Buffalo Nickel say “IN GOD WE TRUST”?

The omission of “IN GOD WE TRUST” was intentional from the original design brief given to sculptor James Earle Fraser. It was not included anywhere on the coin’s design, and this remained the case throughout the entire Buffalo Nickel series from 1913 to 1938. The coin also features a plain, smooth edge with no reeding.

10. Where is the best place to sell a 1924 Buffalo Nickel?

The right platform depends on your coin’s grade and value. Higher-grade or key-date examples — like the 1924-S or 1924-D — often perform best at established auction houses where serious collectors compete.

For more common circulated examples, online marketplaces may be more practical. Check our full guide on the Best Places To Sell Coins Online for a detailed pros and cons breakdown.