That small, forgotten coin in your pocket or change jar could be a financial game-changer. If it’s a Buffalo Nickel, you might be sitting on a fortune.
These iconic coins, minted between 1913 and 1938, are among the most valuable collectibles in U.S. coin history — with some examples selling for over $350,000 at auction.
Let’s explore what makes certain Buffalo Nickels so valuable, which ones to look for, and how to check if you’ve struck gold with a coin you already own.
Why Is the Buffalo Nickel So Valuable?
While most Buffalo Nickels are common, specific mint years, mint marks, and error varieties make a few of them worth thousands. These factors include:
- Minting mistakes
- Low surviving population
- Historical errors
- Excellent condition
High-Value Buffalo Nickels to Watch For:
| Coin | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 | San Francisco Mint, revised reverse | Over $60,000 |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | Date and lettering doubled | Over $280,000 |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo | Missing front leg due to die error | Over $100,000 |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 1918 stamped over 1917 | Over $350,000 |
Each of these coins has a unique feature that serious collectors pay a premium for.
Real People, Real Finds
These aren’t just museum pieces. People across the U.S. have found rare Buffalo Nickels in everyday places:
- In 2023, an Ohio family found a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel in a childhood piggy bank. It sold for $72,000.
- Others have discovered gems at yard sales, bank coin rolls, and even in parking lot change trays.
These coins don’t have to be in perfect condition to be valuable — uniqueness often trumps wear.
How to Identify a Valuable Buffalo Nickel
Not sure if your coin is worth anything? Here’s how to spot a winner:
- Check the Date: Found just below the neck of the Native American portrait. Certain years like 1913, 1916, 1918, and 1937 are key.
- Mint Mark: Look on the reverse, under “FIVE CENTS.” Common marks are D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and no mark (Philadelphia).
- Look for Errors: A doubled date, missing buffalo leg, or overdate can mean big money.
- Condition Matters: The less worn, the higher the value — but even worn versions of rare types are worth hundreds.
- Get It Appraised: Don’t clean it! Have it reviewed by a certified coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why You Should Check Your Change Today
It’s easy to ignore that worn coin in your purse or backpack, but rare Buffalo Nickels have been found in the unlikeliest of places. Because they stopped being minted in 1938, many ended up in long-term circulation, coin collections, or forgotten drawers.
Whether you’re casually sorting coins or a budding collector, knowing what to look for could result in a massive payday.
The Buffalo Nickel isn’t just a relic of American history — it could be your ticket to a financial windfall. With some coins worth over $350,000, it’s worth taking a moment to examine your spare change.
The next time you find a coin with a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other, don’t toss it aside. You might just be one coin away from changing your life.
FAQs
What year of Buffalo Nickel is worth the most?
The 1918/7-D Overdate is one of the most valuable, with examples selling for over $350,000 in top condition.
Where is the mint mark located on a Buffalo Nickel?
The mint mark is found on the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” inscription.
Can I still find Buffalo Nickels in circulation today?
While rare, it’s still possible to find Buffalo Nickels in circulation, in coin jars, flea markets, or inherited collections.