Rare Buffalo Nickel Make You Rich: Picture finding a nickel in your change worth thousands or even millions! The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is a collector’s favorite, with rare versions like the 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel fetching huge sums. This guide explains in simple words which Buffalo Nickels are valuable, how to find them, and what to do if you strike gold. Check your coins—you might have a life-changing treasure!
What Is a Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also called the Indian Head Nickel, was made by the U.S. Mint from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it shows a Native American chief on the front and a bison (often called a buffalo) on the back. Over 1.2 billion were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). Most are worth a few cents, but rare ones with errors or low mintages can be worth thousands or more.
Why Are Some Buffalo Nickels So Valuable?
Certain Buffalo Nickels are prized for:
- Low Mintage: Fewer coins made in years like 1926-S or 1921-S.
- Minting Errors: Mistakes like missing legs or doubled designs.
- Condition: Shiny, unworn coins (graded MS-65 or higher) fetch more.
- Historical Appeal: Their iconic design ties to America’s frontier history.
For example, a 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel sold for $150,000 due to a rare minting error.
Top Rare Buffalo Nickels to Look For
Here are the most valuable Buffalo Nickels collectors want in 2025:
1. 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel
- Why Rare: A minting error makes the bison appear to have three legs.
- How to Spot: “1937” date, “D” mint mark, missing front leg on bison.
- Value: $2,700–$150,000.
2. 1918/7-D Overdate
- Why Rare: A 1917 die was overstamped with 1918, showing a faint “7” under “8.”
- How to Spot: “1918” date, “D” mint mark, faint “7” under “8” with magnifying glass.
- Value: $37,000–$350,000.
3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
- Why Rare: Blurry text from double stamping on the front.
- How to Spot: “1916” date, doubled “LIBERTY” or date with magnifying glass.
- Value: $66,000–$281,000.
4. 1926-S
- Why Rare: Low mintage of 970,000, often poorly struck.
- How to Spot: “1926” date, “S” mint mark, sharp details.
- Value: $5,000–$250,000.
5. 1921-S
- Why Rare: Low mintage and heavy circulation.
- How to Spot: “1921” date, “S” mint mark, clear design.
- Value: $1,765–$75,000.
Buffalo Nickel Value Table
| Nickel Type | Key Feature | Mint Mark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937-D Three-Legged | Missing front leg on bison | D | $2,700–$150,000 |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | Faint “7” under “8” | D | $37,000–$350,000 |
| 1916 Doubled Die | Blurry text on front | None | $66,000–$281,000 |
| 1926-S | Low mintage, sharp details | S | $5,000–$250,000 |
| 1921-S | Low mintage, clear design | S | $1,765–$75,000 |
How to Spot a Valuable Buffalo Nickel
To find a rare nickel:
- Check the Date: Look for 1916, 1918, 1921, 1926, or 1937.
- Find Mint Marks: Check for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) below “FIVE CENTS” on the back.
- Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass for doubled text, missing legs, or overdates.
- Check Condition: Unworn coins with a full bison horn are worth more.
- Weigh It: Standard nickels weigh 5 grams; errors on wrong planchets (e.g., silver) may differ.
Where to Find Buffalo Nickels
You might find them in:
- Pocket Change: Rare, but some still circulate.
- Coin Rolls: Get nickel rolls from banks to search.
- Old Collections: Check family coin jars, piggy banks, or inherited stashes.
- Coin Shops or Auctions: Visit dealers or check eBay, Heritage Auctions, or GreatCollections.
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can scratch or dull the coin, lowering its value.
- Store Safely: Use a plastic coin holder to protect it.
- Get It Graded: Take it to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
- Sell Smart: Use auction houses (Heritage Auctions), dealers (APMEX), or eBay with clear photos.
Avoiding Fakes
Fakes are common, especially for high-value nickels like the 1918/7-D. To avoid scams:
- Check Details: Look for tampering on dates or mint marks (e.g., altered “8” to mimic 1918/7).
- Weigh the Coin: Buffalo Nickels should weigh 5 grams; odd weights may indicate fakes.
- Trust Grading Services: Only PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity.
Conclusion
A rare Buffalo Nickel, like the 1937-D Three-Legged or 1918/7-D Overdate, could change your life with values up to $350,000. Check your change, coin rolls, or old jars for key dates (1916, 1918, 1921, 1926, 1937), mint marks, or errors like doubled text or missing legs. Get finds graded by experts and beware of fakes. The excitement of finding a valuable nickel makes every search thrilling. Start checking your coins today—you might be holding a fortune!
FAQ
Can a Buffalo Nickel really make me rich?
Yes, rare ones like the 1937-D Three-Legged ($150,000) or 1918/7-D ($350,000) can fetch huge sums.
Which Buffalo Nickels are the most valuable?
The 1937-D Three-Legged, 1918/7-D Overdate, 1916 Doubled Die, 1926-S, and 1921-S are top finds.
Are Buffalo Nickels still in circulation?
Some may appear in change or bank rolls, but rare ones are usually in collections or auctions.
How do I spot a valuable Buffalo Nickel?
Check dates (1916, 1918, 1921, 1926, 1937), mint marks (“D” or “S”), and errors like missing legs or doubled text.
What should I do if I find a rare nickel?
Don’t clean it, store it in a coin holder, get it graded by PCGS or NGC, and sell via auctions or dealers.