Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

What if that dusty nickel in your grandparents’ coin jar could buy you a house? Sounds crazy, right? But in the wild world of Buffalo Nickels, manufacturing errors become financial miracles!

A simple wartime mix-up created coins now worth over half a million dollars. Mint workers’ mistakes, production shortcuts, and pure scarcity have transformed humble five-cent pieces into six-figure treasures.

Ready to discover which Buffalo Nickels went from pocket change to down payment? Let’s dive into the most valuable buffalo nickels worth money!

Looking for rare Nickels from other years?

• Auto Coin Appraisal Tool: Best Coin Identifier App
• (1938-Present): Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List
• Even Older?: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)
• Misprint Nickels: Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures

 

 

The Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

1. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $350,750 (PCGS MS65, Bowers & Merena 2006)

The 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel is one of the most important and precious coins in American numismatic history, representing an iconic minting error from World War I. Employees at the Denver Mint accidentally struck the 1918 die over a previously prepared 1917 die, causing a clearly visible “7” to appear beneath the “8” in the date.

The reason for this erroneous date overlay was the high demand for small-denomination coins during World War I. The mint was working overtime, and errors occurred during the hurried die preparation process. However, it was precisely this production error that created this coin, making it one of the rarest treasures among numismatic enthusiasts.

This coin is so precious because it is extremely rare, especially in high grades. PCGS estimates that fewer than 2,000 coins exist across all grades, with most having circulated heavily before being discovered in the 1930s. Coins in gem condition (MS65 and above) are exceptionally rare.

The 1918/7-D nickel shown in the image is undoubtedly the rarest in the Buffalo nickel series and one of the most important coins of the 20th century. It set an auction record for an MS65+ nickel in 2006 when it sold for $350,750.

 

2. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $322,000 (PCGS MS66, Bowers & Merena 2008)

This MS66-grade nickel sold for $322,000 in 2008, making it a highly sought-after treasure in Buffalo nickel collecting and the rarest non-variety Buffalo nickel

What makes this coin particularly noteworthy is its low mintage, with the San Francisco Mint producing only 970,000 pieces, compared to the Philadelphia Mint’s production of over 44.693 million coins that same year. This creates significant rarity by comparison.

There may be some issues with the coin’s strike, but the problem is not with the strike itself, but rather that there are not many Gem-grade examples in existence. Most sources indicate that only a few dozen MS65-grade coins are currently known, making MS66-grade nickels even rarer.

The $322,000 auction price established a high market value for this grade at the time. For the 1926-S variety, the same grade improvement can increase value by ten times or more compared to common Buffalo nickels. For serious Buffalo nickel collectors, this coin represents an ideal acquisition and reflects the premium placed on high-grade examples from key dates in the series’ later years.

Check 1926 Buffalo Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

3. 1916 DDO Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $281,750 (PCGS MS64, Bowers & Merena 2004)

The 1916 Buffalo nickel doubled die obverse shown in this auction record represents one of the most significant error varieties in the Buffalo nickel series. This MS64 specimen sold for $281,750 in 2004, establishing a strong market value for this remarkable minting error.

The 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo nickel is the most popular doubled die variety for the entire Buffalo nickel series. The error occurred during the die-making process when the hub shifted or rotated between presses, causing the design to be duplicated. The doubling is very dramatic, mostly going south east of the date and also on the Indian Chief’s lips and chin. It can easily be seen with the naked eye.

What makes this coin particularly valuable is its rarity in high grades. There are fewer than 15 mint state examples know,n with the highest being three coins in MS64 condition. The coin becomes extremely tough going up the grading scale to About Uncirculated and is all but elusive in the uncirculated grades.

The 1916 doubled die obverse took 46 years for the variety to be discovered, an indication of its extreme scarcity. This late discovery and the coin’s obvious visual appeal have made it highly sought after by collectors specializing in Buffalo nickels and error coins.

 

4. 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $143,750 (NGC MS68, Bowers & Merena 2008)

The 1913-D Buffalo nickel Type 2 MS68 specimen sold for $143,750 in 2008, demonstrating strong market appreciation for high-grade examples of this early Denver mint issue.

The Type 2 designation refers to a mid-year design change made in 1913. The reverse design of the 1913 Type I Buffalo nickel caused the denomination “FIVE CENTS” to wear off quickly. So the mint rightfully changed the design mid-year and placed the “FIVE CENTS” in a recess below the Buffalo, thus creating the 1913 Type II Buffalo nickel. This design modification improved the coin’s durability in circulation.

The 1913-D Buffalo nickel Type 2 is considered a key date within the series. Despite having a mintage of 4,156,000 pieces, which represents a moderate production level, the 1913-D Type 2 has proven challenging for collectors to locate in higher circulated grades, contributing to its status as a sought-after issue in the Buffalo nickel series.

The MS68 grade of this particular coin places it in premium condition territory. Most examples of this issue are decently struck. The luster for mint state coins, as is the case with most of the early Buffalos, is a satin grey. The coin’s exceptional preservation and sharp strike details contribute significantly to its value.

Check 1913 Buffalo Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

5. 1920-D Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $138,000 (NGC MS67, Bowers & Merena 2008)

The 1920-D Buffalo nickel is recognized as an important date among collectors. The 1920 “D” mint mark Buffalo nickel is considerably rarer than its Philadelphia counterpart. With a mintage of 9,418,000 pieces, the Denver facility produced notably fewer coins than Philadelphia’s output that year.

Strike quality can vary with this issue. This is a challenging date to locate in Gem condition. As you can see on the Buffalo’s horn, the strike on this issue ranges from fairly sharp to weak. The MS67 grade achieved by this particular coin indicates it retained sufficient detail and quality to merit this high classification, contributing to its market value.

In 2008, an MS67 was sold for $138,000 at Bowers & Merena, establishing this price point for the grade. The 1920-D represents one of the more accessible key dates in the Buffalo nickel series while still commanding substantial premiums for well-preserved examples.

Check 1920 Buffalo Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

6. 1917-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $138,000 (PCGS MS67, Heritage Auctions 2008)

This MS67 1917-S Buffalo nickel achieved $138,000 at a 2008 Heritage auction, representing the finest example certified by both major grading services at that time. With a mintage of 4,193,000 pieces, the 1917-S is a moderately scarce issue that becomes particularly challenging to locate in high grades.

Strike quality is a defining characteristic that separates common from exceptional examples of this date. Most 1917-S nickels suffer from weak strikes and pronounced die erosion around the margins, making well-struck specimens notably scarce.

This particular coin demonstrates unusually sharp design details despite showing some die erosion and a die crack at 8 o’clock on the obverse. The sharpness indicates it was struck with increased die pressure to compensate for the advanced die state, a production technique that successfully brought out the design elements.

In circulated grades, the 1917-S is rarer than the 1917-D, though both remain collectible. In Gem condition, the S Mints are rarer than the D Mints for every year from 1913 to 1919, making top-grade examples like this MS67 particularly desirable.

Beyond technical quality, this coin offers aesthetic appeal with smooth, satiny surfaces displaying subtle rose and lilac toning on both sides, enhancing its status as a premium example for advanced Buffalo nickel collectors.

 

7. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $125,350 (PCGS MS66, Bowers & Merena 2008)

A 2008 Bowers & Merena auction brought $125,350 for this MS66 1918-S Buffalo nickel, underlining the strong collector demand for premium examples of this challenging San Francisco issue.

Minted to a quantity of 4,882,000 pieces, the 1918-S holds a distinctive position within the Buffalo nickel series due to its rarity in higher grades. Strike quality represents a significant obstacle for collectors of this date. Many Mint State survivors show softness of the hair braid and Buffalo’s horn and tail.

Sharply struck examples remain uncommon, making well-defined specimens like this MS66 particularly valued by advanced collectors who prioritize technical quality alongside grade.

Luster characteristics vary among surviving specimens. Luster can be muted or somewhat frosty, with this coin displaying the more desirable vibrant surfaces that enhance its visual appeal.

The combination of superior strike, strong luster, and high grade positions this piece as a notable example for collectors pursuing quality rather than simply completing date sets.

 

8. 1927-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $125,350 (PCGS MS66*, Bowers & Merena 2008)

Collectors paid $125,350 at a 2008 Bowers & Merena auction for this MS66* 1927-S Buffalo nickel, reflecting the strong market for premium San Francisco issues from the 1920s.

The condition rarity of the 1927-S becomes pronounced in higher grades. The 1927-S is semi-common in lower circulated grades, but quite scarce in grades VF20 and above. It is rare in mint state, creating a steep gradient in availability as preservation quality improves.

In Gem MS65 condition, only the 1920-S, 1925-S, and 1926-S are rarer, placing this date among the top four scarcest regular-strike San Francisco issues when considering the highest preservation levels. This ranking underscores why collectors pursue examples like this MS66* specimen.

The luster of this coin is similar to the 1927-D, more brilliant than frosty, though brilliant is quite the right word as the “glow” is pretty subdued on this issue. This particular coin displays attractive rainbow toning on both sides, enhancing its visual appeal beyond the technical aspects of grade and strike.

Check 1927 Buffalo Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List

 

9. 1919-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $109,250 (PCGS MS66, Heritage Auctions 2006)

At a 2006 Heritage auction, this MS66 1919-S Buffalo nickel realized $109,250, demonstrating the market premium for well-preserved examples of this postwar San Francisco issue. With a mintage of 7,521,000 pieces, the 1919-S presents significant challenges for collectors seeking coins in top condition.

The 1919-S has gained recognition for typically poor strike quality across most surviving examples. Strike can often be a problem, as can a lack of decent luster.

This particular coin stands in marked contrast to typical specimens, displaying notably sharp details on both sides. The buffalo’s head and shoulder show strong definition, the horn is full and crisp, and the tail shows near-complete separation—characteristics uncommon for this date. The obverse demonstrates similar strength with only minor softness above the braid knot.

The rarity profile of this issue becomes increasingly steep in higher preservation levels. The 1919-S is scarce in circulated grades, rare in Mint State, and a major rarity in Gem condition. This pattern reflects broader production challenges at the San Francisco Mint during the late 1910s and throughout the 1920s, when consistent quality control proved difficult to maintain.

The coin’s aesthetic qualities complement its technical merits. Translucent patina featuring lilac, ice-blue, sunset-gold, and jade-green tones allows strong underlying luster to remain visible, creating visual appeal that distinguishes it from other examples of this challenging date.

 

10. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel

Record Price: $105,750 (PCGS MS66+, Stack’s Bowers 2016)

This MS66+ 1924-S Buffalo nickel brought $105,750 at Stack’s Bowers’ 2016 auction, recognized as the example certified by PCGS at that time. The low mintage of just 1,437,000 pieces makes this among the scarcest production figures in the Buffalo nickel series.

The 1924-S is rare in circulated grades, one of the rarest of all Buffalo nickels, a distinction that extends across the entire grade spectrum. Most examples entered circulation immediately after production and saw extensive use before collectors recognized the issue’s significance. It creating substantial challenges for collectors seeking well-preserved specimens.

Strike quality presents a notable but not insurmountable concern for this date. Strike can be an issue with the 1924-S, but usually not as much of a problem as with dates such as the 1918-S, 1920-S, 1923-S, and 1925-S.

This particular coin displays uncommonly sharp details throughout, with well-defined design elements that distinguish it from typical examples. The obverse shows strong hair detail and facial features, while the reverse exhibits clear definition in the buffalo’s shoulder and horn areas that often show weakness on this issue.

The visual characteristics add appeal beyond technical merit. Golden-apricot peripheral toning frames lighter pinkish-silver centers, while full, vibrant luster enhances the coin’s overall presentation. Luster is usually a little subdued and somewhat satiny looking on typical specimens, making this coin’s stronger luster another distinguishing feature. In any grade, the 1924-S is one of the key dates in the Buffalo nickel series.

summary

This article details the 10 most valuable Buffalo Nickels based on documented auction records, with the 1918/7-D overdate error topping the list at $350,750. Values are verified through major auction houses like PCGS, Heritage, and Stack’s Bowers. These coins achieve six-figure prices due to mint errors, extremely low mintages, poor typical strike quality, making pristine examples exceptionally rare, and superior preservation grades. The piece demonstrates how manufacturing mistakes, scarcity, and condition can transform five-cent coins into museum-quality treasures worth more than houses.