2005 Buffalo Nickel Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

The Westward Journey nickels were a commemorative series of coins honoring the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s first expedition after the Louisiana Purchase. It includes nickels from 2005 minted in two variations, one with the Ocean in view, while the other depicts the American bison on the reverse.

The Jefferson buffalo nickel design is related to the Indian Head nickel look from 1913 to 1938. Both coins have an American bison as a motif on the reverse. The 2005 Buffalo nickel value is affected by its historical significance besides each piece’s preservation levels and possible errors.

2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel value
Condition	2005 P nickel	2005 D nickel	2005 S proof nickel
MS 63	$5	$4	/
MS 65	$25	$15	/
PR 70	/	/	$30

History of the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel

The production of Buffalo nickel (Indian Head nickel) began in 1913, with the James Fraser design focused on Native American traditions. The obverse showed the figure of an American Indian, while on the reverse was an American buffalo.

This series’ production ended after 25 years, although it was very popular and quickly became a favorite with collectors.

2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel Types
Location	Year	Minted
Philadelphia	2005 P nickel	448,320,000
Denver	2005 D nickel	487,680,000
San Francisco	2005 S proof nickel	3,344,679
Total	/	939,344,679

However, this beautiful design has never been forgotten. In 2005, the US Mint minted commemorative nickels from the Westward Journey series to honor the Lewis and Clark expedition’s 200th anniversary.

The Jefferson buffalo nickel from this series is a unique collectible coin with significant historical value. Unlike the original pieces, this version features President Thomas Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse and two distinct designs on the reverse.

Jamie Franki’s design brought back the legendary American Buffalo nickel from 1913. On the other hand, Artist Joe Fitzgerald created another version that depicted an ocean scene, symbolizing the Lewis and Clark expedition.

These two designs stood out among 144 proposals but only lasted a year before the US Mint reverted to the Monticello reverse. Thanks to its short circulation, the 2005 Buffalo nickel remains highly sought after by collectors.

Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

Features of the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel

Most US Mint coins have changed their appearance at least once during their long history, but the situation is different in this case. The designer used the bison motif almost identical to coins from an earlier period on the new 2005 Jefferson buffalo nickels.

The obverse of the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel

The 2005 Buffalo nickel has the left half of the obverse covered by Jefferson’s image, with his profile facing right and his nose tip determining the coin center. Joe Fitzgerald, an American artist and graphic designer, had the vision to show the 3rd American President from a different perspective.

Along the right coin rim is the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST, while the word LIBERTY is at Jefferson’s chin height, written in his handwriting. That is a novelty since the US Mint rarely uses the cursive style for inscriptions. The mint mark and minting year are visible in the lower right corner.

The reverse of the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel

Jamie Franki used the American buffalo motif from the old version of the 1913 nickel for the reverse of the modern coin. However, he made a few changes and positioned the American buffalo in the coin center, facing right.

The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs along the top rim above the buffalo’s back, while you can see the FIVE CENTS denomination along the bottom rim. These two inscriptions almost meet, forming a circle around the buffalo. Just above the denomination is the phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM struck in three lines.

2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel Details
Face value	Five cents ($0.05)
Coin diameter	0.835 inches (21.2 mm)
Shape	Round
Compound	Copper (75%) with 25% nickel
Coin weight	0.1764 ounces (5 g)
Edge	Plain
Coin thickness	0.0768 inches (1.95 mm)

Other features of the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel

The Buffalo nickel from 2005 is a five-cent coin. It is round in shape with a plain edge and contains 75% copper, with the remaining percentage of nickel. The coin’s weight is 0.1764 ounces (5 g), while its thickness is 0.0768 inches (1.95 mm) with a diameter of 0.835 inches (21.2 mm).

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel Worth Money

2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel Grading

Grading a coin is an essential process in determining its market value. Collectors and grading experts generally use the Sheldon scale, and grades range from 1 to 70.

During the grading process, the grader considers several factors, such as strike, luster, and existing damage to the coin.

#	Grade
1	Basal State-1
2	Fair
3	Very Fair
4, 5, 6	Good
7, 8, 10	Very Good
12, 15	Fine
20, 30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60	Mint State
65	Mint State
70	Mint State

Please check our grading guides to know your coin scale, It’s the necessary step to know the exact value of your coin.

Check out now: How to Grade Buffalo Nickel?

2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel Value Guides

In 2005, the US Mint produced 939,344,679 commemorative Buffalo nickels in three mints. Due to such a high circulation, these coins’ value is usually only their face value. On the other hand, well-preserved specimens and pieces with errors can reach higher prices.

2005 P Jefferson Buffalo nickel value

The Philadelphia mint minted 448,320,000 Buffalo nickels in 2005. All these coins bear the letter P as the mark of this mint.

Average preserved specimens don’t have high prices, and you can find them at their face value. On the other hand, pieces in the mint state cost slightly more. You only need about $0.50 for coins graded MS 60, 61, and 62, while specimens with higher grades cost a little more:

• MS 63 regular strike nickels – $5
• MS 64 regular strike nickels – $12
• MS 65 regular strike nickels – $25
• MS 66 regular strike nickels – $45
• MS 67 regular strike nickels – $1,100

This mint also produced special strike coins. Although it may cost little to find these specimens in average condition, better-preserved pieces with a satin finish are a bit more expensive:

• $2 for SP 60 satin finish nickels
• $3 for SP 61 satin finish nickels
• $4 for SP 62 satin finish nickels
• $4 for SP 63 satin finish nickels
• $5 for SP 64 satin finish nickels
• $6 for SP 65 satin finish nickels
• $7 for SP 66 satin finish nickels
• $10 for SP 67 satin finish nickels

2005 D Jefferson Buffalo nickel value

With a mintage of 487,680,000 2005 Buffalo nickels, the Denver mint had the largest mintage of these coins that year. You can recognize them by the letter D on the obverse.

Depending on the condition, these pieces typically cost anywhere from $0.10 to $175. For specimens graded MS 60, MS 61, and MS 62, you need to pay about $0.10, while prices with higher grades cost as follows:

• $4 for MS 63 regular strike nickels
• $8 for MS 64 regular strike nickels
• $15 for MS 65 regular strike nickels
• $45 for MS 66 regular strike nickels

Besides regular nickels, this mint also produced coins with a satin finish in 2005. While you can find specimens in the average condition that cost similarly to their face value, highly graded pieces are more valuable:

• SP 60 satin finish nickels cost $2
• SP 61 satin finish nickels cost $3
• SP 62 satin finish nickels cost $4
• SP 63 satin finish nickels cost $5
• SP 64 satin finish nickels cost $7
• SP 65 satin finish nickels cost $8
• SP 66 satin finish nickels cost $12
• SP 67 satin finish nickels cost $20

Sometimes, these nickels can reach several hundred dollars at auctions.

2005 S proof Jefferson Buffalo nickel value

In 2005, the San Francisco mint produced only proof Buffalo nickels, and all 3,344,679 pieces were marked S. These coins are collectors’ items and are not in circulation.

However, their value is not significant even though they are proof specimens. Therefore, these coins can cost you from $0.25 to $30. The grade has the most significant impact on these pieces’ prices. For instance:

• The 2005 S PR 60 DCAM nickel is worth $0.25
• The 2005 S PR 61 DCAM nickel is worth $0.3
• The 2005 S PR 62 DCAM nickel is worth $0.35
• The 2005 S PR 63 DCAM nickel is worth $0.4
• The 2005 S PR 64 DCAM nickel is worth $0.4
• The 2005 S PR 65 DCAM nickel is worth $1
• The 2005 S PR 66 DCAM nickel is worth $1
• The 2005 S PR 67 DCAM nickel is worth $1
• The 2005 S PR 68 DCAM nickel is worth $2
• The 2005 S PR 69 DCAM nickel is worth $14
• The 2005 S PR 70 DCAM nickel is worth $30

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money

Rare 2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel Error List

During minting, errors are inevitable. Even the modernization of that process didn’t prevent the appearance of imperfections on the coins. However, the 2005 Buffalo nickel has some unique errors in addition to the usual ones.

Speared bison

This error shows a long line that resembles a spear, looking like it goes in and out of the bison’s body and pierces its back. The 2005 D Buffalo nickels with this flaw are relatively rare. Since this imperfection differs from coin to coin, their value varies.

The well-preserved 2005 nickel error can cost you $30 to $60, while mint state specimens are more expensive and cost between $75 and $700. The auction record is slightly higher at $2,650 for the 2005 D MS 66 Speared Jefferson buffalo nickel.

Clipped planchet

This error occurs when the mechanism that cuts the planchet hits them again without first completely ejecting the cut one. As a result of a planchet with a missing crescent-shaped part, the minted coin comes without a part of the design. Some collectors collect only coins with this error type.

Improperly annealed

No one has yet been able to determine this error cause. However, experts assume that the most likely reason is an excessively long strike of the planchet. Another option is that the planchet was raised at high temperatures.

As a result, you can see the copper emerging from the coins’ core on the surface and covering the nickel coating. A nickel like this typically costs around $100.

Copper wash

This error is quite similar to the improperly annealed coin. The difference is that the entire planchet is coated with a thin layer of copper after it comes to the surface.

Detached leg

Some 2005 Buffalo nickels show an error that gives the impression that the buffalo’s leg is detached from its body. It occurs when a worn die creates a gap between the buffalo leg and the body when striking.

Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money

Where to Sell Your 2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

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

FAQ about the 2005 Jefferson Buffalo Nickel Value

What makes a 2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickel scarce?

This one-year commemorative coin is pretty collectible for the modern piece and interesting for collectors, probably because of the American Buffalo return on the reverse. On the other hand, the high mintage of nearly a billion nickels makes them abundant on the market.

Which 2005 Jefferson Buffalo nickels are particularly expensive?

• The 2005 D MS 66 Speared Buffalo nickel sold at $2,650 in 2021
• The 2005 P PCGS Genuine Buffalo nickel sold at $1,225 in 2022
• The 2005 D MS 66 Buffalo nickel sold at $750 in 2014
• The 2005 D SP 69 Satin Buffalo nickel sold at $588 in 2016
• The 2005 S PR 70 DCAM Buffalo nickel sold at $546 in 2005
• The 2005 P SP 69 Satin Buffalo nickel sold at $184 in 2008
• The 2005 S PR 70 Buffalo nickel sold at $28 in 2023

How expensive is the 2005 P Jefferson Buffalo nickel?

Due to the mintage of almost 450 million 2005 P Buffalo nickels, their value is relatively low. Specimens in average condition cost approximately five cents, while those in the mint state are slightly more expensive. These pieces can cost from $0.08 to $1,000, depending on their condition.

What are the most pricey Jefferson Buffalo nickels?

Buffalo nickels had a relatively short minting period, so the value of these coins can be high. The most expensive piece is an error. For instance, the 1918/7 D MS 65 Buffalo nickel reached an incredible $350,750 in 2006.

As for modern Jefferson buffalo nickels, the most valuable is the 2005 D MS 67 Speared Bison coin. The professional price estimation is $5,000 per piece.