1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1929 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $63,250. That record sale was a Grade 67 example sold through Heritage Auctions in May 2005. Not sure what yours is worth? Upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range, then scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what 1929 Nickels are actually selling for today.

 

1929 Buffalo Nickel Value By Variety

Reading the 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value correctly starts with two variables: which mint produced the coin, and what condition it has survived in after nearly a century.

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 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value: Auction Records

The all-time auction record for the 1929 Buffalo Nickel series sits at $63,250 — achieved by a Philadelphia-issue example graded MS 67, sold at Heritage Auctions on May 4, 2005.

A condition so rare prompted PCGS co-founder David Hall to note that the 1929 Philadelphia is “semi-common in mint state, and somewhat scarce in Gem condition” — making MS 67 survivors truly exceptional.

The error coins tell a particularly compelling story. The 1929-S 2 Feathers FS-401 in MS 66 reached $11,750 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in December 2019, outperforming many standard-issue coins at equivalent grades.

Grade sensitivity is extreme across the entire series. A single point separating MS 65 from MS 66 can mean the difference between $3,525 and $11,750 on the same variety — a gap that underscores just how aggressively the market rewards condition.

 

History of the 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value and Its Origins

The 1929 Buffalo Nickel was produced during the sixteenth year of the Buffalo Nickel series, a run that had already proven technically demanding — the high-relief design broke production dies three times faster than previous nickel designs, driving up costs at all three minting facilities year after year.

Chief Engraver Charles Barber formally complained to Mint officials about the die wear problem shortly after production began in 1913, and the redesign from Type 1 to Type 2 (replacing the raised mound with flat ground) was a direct response to those complaints.

James Earle Fraser, who designed the coin, drew the Native American portrait from three real subjects: an Oglala Sioux chief, a Kiowa chief, and a Cheyenne chief named Two Moons — who had fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn.

The bison on the reverse was modeled after Black Diamond, a bison housed at the Central Park Menagerie in New York City, giving the design one of the most specifically documented animal subjects in American coinage history.

Philadelphia, as the original U.S. Mint location, produced its 1929 Nickels without a mint mark — Philadelphia coins never carried a mint mark until the 1940s, a tradition rooted in its status as the founding mint of the nation.

No proof coins were produced for the 1929 Buffalo Nickel. In fact, the U.S. Mint did not produce nickel proofs at all from 1917 through 1935 — an 18-year gap that makes the entire series unusual in the context of American coinage history.

Meanwhile, when Black Friday struck in October 1929, its effects reached the U.S. Mint directly. Public demand for new coinage began to collapse as Americans found themselves with less money to spend, making 1929 a turning point before a prolonged production contraction took hold through the mid-1930s.

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

 

Is Your 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Affected by Rarity?

For a quick and reliable answer, the Coin Identifier and Value App lets you look up your exact coin and see where it stands in terms of rarity and current market value.

 

Key Features of the 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Coins

The 1929 Buffalo Nickel features a high-relief design with intricate details that proved genuinely challenging to strike consistently in mass production — a technical difficulty that makes well-struck examples particularly prized among collectors today.

One of the most important quality indicators for this series is the Full Horn designation — this means the bison’s horn on the reverse shows complete, unbroken detail from base to tip, indicating minimal wear and a solid original strike.

The Obverse of the 1929 Nickel

The obverse centers on a Native American chief rendered in profile, featuring a mohawk-style haircut with a braid running down the neck.

Fraser’s portrait was a composite image drawn from three Native American subjects he sketched during the design process — an Oglala Sioux chief, a Kiowa chief, and Cheyenne Chief Two Moons.

The obverse also carries the inscriptions:

• LIBERTY — positioned to the right of the portrait
• The date — struck at the lower left, an area particularly prone to wear in circulation
• Fraser’s initial “F” — found just below the date as the designer’s mark
• A plain, unadorned rim that frames the design without distraction

The Reverse of the 1929 Nickel

Despite being widely called the “Buffalo Nickel,” the animal depicted on the reverse is technically an American bison — a distinction that numismatists (coin specialists) are careful to maintain.

Early production revealed that the original Type 1 design caused dies to wear out far faster than expected, prompting a redesign that replaced the raised mound beneath the bison with flat ground.

By 1929, all coins were struck using this revised Variety 2 reverse, featuring:

• The bison standing on a flat plain rather than a mound
• FIVE CENTS inscribed in a recessed area below the animal
• E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA completing the legend
• The mint mark — if present — positioned directly below FIVE CENTS

Other Features of the 1929 Nickel

Authentic 1929 Nickels weigh 5 grams and measure 21.2mm in diameter, with a raised rim on both sides.

The coin’s composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel — gives it a distinctly pale appearance compared to later alloy changes, and importantly, makes it non-magnetic, a useful authenticity check against counterfeits.

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

 

1929 Buffalo Nickel Value: Mintage & Survival Data

Mintage numbers only explain so much — what ultimately matters to collectors is how many coins actually survived in collectible condition, and why.

Three mints released a combined total of 52,570,000 nickels in 1929 — Philadelphia at 36,446,000, Denver at 8,370,000, and San Francisco at 7,754,000.

Philadelphia struck the most coins in 1929, yet proportionally fewer made it through intact; the Depression years put enormous pressure on everyday coinage that people couldn’t afford to set aside.

Denver’s coins show a notably higher survival rate relative to their mintage — experts have observed that the 1929-D carried a particularly high-quality strike for that year, which may explain why more were preserved by collectors who recognized their quality.

With only around 4,500 survivors estimated from the San Francisco Mint, the 1929-S sits in the tightest supply position of the three varieties, and that scarcity is directly reflected in its value trajectory across all grade levels.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value

Most collectors are surprised to discover that a 1929 Buffalo Nickel pulled from an old collection can be worth anywhere from $2.14 to well over $500 — and the difference often comes down to details invisible to the untrained eye.

Surface preservation, Full Horn sharpness, feather definition on the headdress, and luster all factor into where a coin lands on the grading scale, directly pushing its value up or down.

The quickest way to get an accurate read is through the Coin Identifier and Value App, which cross-references your coin’s features against current market data to give you a reliable value instantly.

 

1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide by Mint Mark

The 1929 Buffalo Nickel was struck at three mints, each producing a coin with its own distinct rarity profile, survival rate, and collector premium.

• 1929 No Mint Mark Nickel – Struck at Philadelphia
• 1929-D Nickel – Struck at Denver
• 1929-S Nickel – Struck at San Francisco

Same coin, same year, same design — yet a 1929-D in MS 65 can be worth more than three times its Philadelphia counterpart at the same grade.

Mint mark is everything here, and understanding what separates these three varieties is the foundation of any serious valuation.

 

1929 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value

Philadelphia struck the largest output of the three mints in 1929 at 36,446,000 coins, and its coins entered circulation in enormous numbers — which is precisely why high-grade survivors are harder to find than the raw mintage suggests.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that the 1929 Philadelphia issue is “semi-common in mint state, and somewhat scarce in Gem condition — it’s scarcer than the issues of the 1930s.” The strike is usually bold and the luster can be quite frosty and attractive on well-preserved examples.

The Philadelphia issue becomes genuinely scarce above MS 65 — the point at which collector demand intensifies and prices climb steeply.

The most expensive Philadelphia example on record sold for $63,250 at Heritage Auctions on May 4, 2005, a result that reflects just how exceptional a fully preserved, supergrade No Mint Mark coin truly is.

Circulated examples in Good through About Uncirculated range from roughly $1.46 to $28, while MS 60–MS 64 coins typically bring $25–$300.

At MS 65, values jump to around $600, and MS 67 examples are estimated at $9,500 — making professional grading a smart investment at those upper levels.

Grade is the true determinant of value here — and the Philadelphia issue’s price history across different condition levels makes that case more clearly than any general description could.

The activity data below captures how that interest has played out among collectors in recent years.

 

1929-D Buffalo Nickel Value

Of the three mints that produced Buffalo Nickels in 1929, the Denver issue’s lower mintage of 8,370,000 translates directly into stronger premiums at every grade level above circulated condition.

Experts have noted that the 1929-D carried a particularly high-quality strike for that year — sharp strike, rich luster, and impressive overall eye appeal — setting it apart from many Buffalo Nickel issues where weak strikes were the norm.

However, collectors still pay close attention to Full Horn detail on Denver examples, since not every coin achieved that quality even in the better-struck year.

Denver coins are rated uncommon on the rarity scale and are considered rare in grades MS 65 and above, a combination that drives sustained collector demand across both entry-level and advanced segments of the market.

Circulated examples in Good through About Uncirculated range from roughly $1.46 to $57, while MS 60–MS 64 coins typically bring $92–$300.

MS 65 examples are worth around $1,050, MS 66 coins bring approximately $2,100, and MS 67 examples are estimated to start at $18,000.

The auction record for the 1929-D stands at $15,275, achieved by an MS 66+ example sold at Heritage Auctions on February 27, 2014 — described as having a sharp strike, rich luster, and free from marks or blemishes.

What high-grade 1929-D examples have actually sold for tells a more precise story than estimated values alone.

Demand for the 1929-D has its own distinct rhythm in the marketplace.

 

1929-S Buffalo Nickel Value

San Francisco produced the smallest output of the three mints in 1929 at 7,754,000 coins, and with an estimated 4,500 survivors today, the 1929-S sits in the tightest supply position of any regular-issue coin in the series.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1929-S is “scarce in mint state and Gem condition,” with a strike that is “typically pretty decent for a San Francisco Mint Buffalo nickel” — though specimens with a “mushy look” are sometimes encountered, making sharp strikes more desirable.

Luster on the 1929-S tends toward a grey-brilliant character, distinct from the frostier surfaces seen on Philadelphia issues — a quality that experienced collectors factor into eye appeal assessments alongside technical grade.

Circulated examples in Good through About Uncirculated range from roughly $1.46 to $28, while MS 60–MS 64 coins typically bring $69–$300.

MS 66 examples can bring $1,200 or more, and exceptional MS 67 specimens have sold for around $13,000.

The top recorded sale for a 1929-S reached $36,000 at Heritage Auctions on October 10, 2021, set by an MS 67+ example — a result that underscores the serious ceiling this variety can reach when condition and eye appeal align.

The auction records below document how the market has valued the 1929-S across different grade levels and time periods.

Alongside individual sale results, the coin’s broader market activity is below.

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

 

Rare 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Errors: Full Error List

Standard mint varieties only tell part of the 1929 Buffalo Nickel story — the real collector excitement lies in a handful of confirmed die errors and striking mistakes that can push values well beyond typical price ranges.

Beyond the two main catalogued varieties below, collectors also watch for off-center strikes, lamination errors, and weak strike specimens — each carrying its own value premium depending on severity.

1. 1929 DDO FS-101

The 1929 DDO FS-101 (DDO stands for Doubled Die Obverse) was struck at the Philadelphia Mint from a die that received multiple misaligned impressions during manufacturing, embedding the doubling flaw permanently into every coin struck from it.

Doubling is visible on the date and obverse lettering — while it may require magnification to detect on worn examples, the error is fully catalogued and recognized by both PCGS and NGC.

Very few certified examples have been confirmed, which speaks directly to how difficult this variety is to locate in the marketplace today.

Authenticated examples command a serious premium — circulated pieces typically trade around $130 to $600, while the top recorded sale reached $1,998 at Stack’s Bowers on November 8, 2013, achieved by a coin graded MS 64.

2. 1929-S 2 Feathers FS-401

Unlike a die manufacturing flaw, the 1929-S 2 Feathers FS-401 error was born from a human decision made on the mint floor — one feather was erased during coin polishing, leaving the Native American’s headdress with only two visible feathers instead of three.

This type of loss typically occurs when mint workers aggressively polish a die to remove clash marks, inadvertently grinding away fine design details in the process.

On a normal coin, three distinct feathers are clearly visible in the chief’s headdress — any coin showing only two warrants a closer look and possible authentication.

A 1929-S 2 Feathers example in MS 66 grade set an auction record of $11,750 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions on December 12, 2019, while circulated examples offer a more accessible entry point for collectors newer to the series.

3. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center errors occur when the coin blank and the dies are misaligned at the moment of striking, leaving part of the design missing and a crescent of blank planchet metal visible.

These errors are measured by percentage — a 20% off-center strike on a 1929 Buffalo Nickel sold for $977 in 2006, while a more dramatic 40% off-center example brought $2,587 in 2008.

Coins with 10–30% offset where the full date remains visible are the most desirable to collectors.

Extreme off-center examples exceeding 50%, or those where the date is missing, typically bring lower prices despite being more dramatic in appearance.

4. Lamination Errors

Lamination errors result from impurities or contaminants mixed into the metal during planchet preparation, creating weak spots that crack, peel, or flake from the coin’s surface.

These defects occur before or during the striking process, making them genuine mint errors rather than post-circulation damage.

Most 1929 Buffalo Nickels with lamination errors are valued at approximately $60 in average circulated condition, with premiums possible for particularly dramatic examples affecting key design elements.

A confirmed 1929-S lamination error example has sold at Carroll’s Auctioneers, and a broken planchet 1929 Buffalo Nickel graded PCGS XF-45 has appeared at GreatCollections auction, illustrating the variety of planchet-related errors that exist for this date.

 

Where to Sell Your 1929 Buffalo Nickel for Top Value

Finding the right marketplace can make a real difference in what you ultimately receive for your 1929 Buffalo Nickel — the same coin can fetch very different prices depending on where and how it’s sold.

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

 

1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About the 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value

1. Is the 1929 Buffalo Nickel rare?

None of the regular 1929 issues are considered rare in an absolute sense — over 52 million were minted across three facilities.

However, finding one in truly high grade is a different story: high-grade uncirculated survivors and error varieties are where the real rarity lies.

2. Does the mint mark affect the 1929 Buffalo Nickel value?

Yes — significantly. Philadelphia produced the most coins at 36,446,000, while Denver struck 8,370,000 and San Francisco issued just 7,754,000.

The lower the mintage, the harder it is to find well-preserved examples today, which is why Denver and San Francisco coins consistently command higher prices at every grade level.

3. What errors should I look for on a 1929 Buffalo Nickel?

The Two-Feather error (FS-401) and the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO FS-101) are the two most catalogued and valuable varieties. On a normal coin, the Native American’s headdress shows three distinct feathers — any deviation from that is worth a closer look.

Off-center strikes and lamination errors also exist on the 1929 date, with well-documented auction results for both.

4. What does “Full Horn” mean on a Buffalo Nickel?

Full Horn refers to the bison’s horn on the reverse showing complete, unbroken detail from base to tip — a sign of minimal wear and a strong original strike.

Coins with Full Horn detail command noticeable premiums over examples where the horn is worn or flat, especially in grades VF and above. It is one of the first things a dealer or grader will examine.

5. Should I clean my 1929 Buffalo Nickel before selling it?

Never clean your 1929 Buffalo Nickel under any circumstances. Cleaning removes the natural patina that proves authenticity and can decrease value by 50–90%.

Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC will label cleaned coins as “details” grades, which sell for significantly less than problem-free examples — even if the cleaned coin looks shinier to the eye.

6. What is the difference between the 1929, 1929-D, and 1929-S?

The only physical difference is the mint mark on the reverse, directly below “FIVE CENTS.” No mint mark means Philadelphia; a small “D” means Denver; a small “S” means San Francisco.

However, each variety has a different mintage, survival rate, typical strike quality, and price range — making the mint mark one of the most important factors in any valuation.

7. How do I know if my 1929 Buffalo Nickel has the Two-Feather error?

Examine the Native American’s headdress on the obverse under magnification — specifically the braid area at the back of the head. A normal coin shows three distinct feathers; the error coin shows only two, with the area where the third feather should be appearing smooth or flat.

The error is most valuable on the San Francisco mint (1929-S), followed by Denver and Philadelphia examples.

8. Why are there no proof 1929 Buffalo Nickels?

The U.S. Mint suspended production of nickel proof coins from 1917 through 1935 — an 18-year gap covering the entire middle portion of the Buffalo Nickel series.

This means no collector proof versions of any Buffalo Nickel from those years exist, making the 1929 date proof-free by policy rather than by accident.

9. What grades are truly rare for the 1929 Buffalo Nickel?

For the Philadelphia issue, MS 66 and higher are genuinely scarce — only a handful of certified examples are known at MS 67, the grade that brought $63,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2005.

For the 1929-S, MS 65 and above is where scarcity begins, with a top of just a few known examples at MS 67+. The 1929-D is rare in MS 66+ territory, with the top auction result of $15,275 confirming demand at that level.

10. Is it worth having my 1929 Buffalo Nickel professionally graded?

It depends on condition. For circulated coins worth under $50, the grading fee (typically $30–$50 per coin at PCGS or NGC — the two leading third-party grading services) may not make financial sense.

However, if your coin appears uncirculated or shows sharp detail with original surfaces, professional grading can significantly increase what a buyer will pay and protects you from receiving below-market offers. Coins graded MS 65 and above especially benefit from certification, as the price jump at each grade point is substantial.