Niks Salt
If you’ve got a stash of old coins or loose change in your home, now might be the perfect time to look through it.
Among ordinary nickels may lie a Buffalo Nickel worth thousands of dollars. Collectors are paying top dollar for specific variations, and one rare coin could change your financial future.
Let’s break down what makes certain Buffalo Nickels valuable, how to identify them, and what they’re worth in today’s coin market.
What Is the Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted by the United States from 1913 to 1938. The front (obverse) features a Native American chief, while the back (reverse) displays an American bison—commonly referred to as a buffalo.
These coins were widely circulated and remain highly collectible today, especially those with minting errors, key dates, or low mintages.
Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels to Watch For
| Coin Variant | Mint Year | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head V-Nickel (Error) | 1913 | Over $3 million | Extremely rare transitional mint error |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | 1916 | Up to $30,000+ | Prominent doubling on date and profile |
| 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo | 1937 | $5,000–$100,000+ | Die polishing error eliminated one leg of the buffalo |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | 1926 | $3,000–$10,000 | Low mintage and hard to find in high grade |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 1918 | $15,000–$70,000+ | Rare overdate variety |
The 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel – A Standout
One of the most famous and valuable Buffalo Nickels is the 1937-D Three-Legged variety. This coin was the result of over-polishing a damaged die, which removed one of the buffalo’s legs, giving it an unusual three-legged appearance.
How to Identify It:
- Mintmark “D” (Denver) beneath the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse
- Only three legs visible on the buffalo
- Smoother field under the animal’s belly
- Flattened area where the missing leg should be
Collectors will pay anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000 depending on the coin’s condition and grade.
Key Factors That Increase Value
When identifying a valuable Buffalo Nickel, consider the following:
- Date and Mintmark: Coins from certain years and mints (especially San Francisco and Denver) are rarer
- Mint Errors: Such as overdates, missing details, or doubling
- Condition: Higher-grade coins (uncirculated or MS condition) are worth significantly more
- Rarity: Fewer surviving examples drive up collector demand
Professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate your coin and boost its market value.
Where to Look for Rare Nickels
You don’t need to be a numismatist to start hunting:
- Check your coin jars and piggy banks
- Ask older relatives for change collections
- Browse local flea markets or antique shops
- Examine estate sales and garage sales
A casual find in your own home could be worth thousands if you spot the right year and error.
With rising interest in rare coins, even a single Buffalo Nickel could be your ticket to unexpected wealth. Whether it’s the legendary 1937-D Three-Legged, a doubled die, or an overdate error, these nickels are highly sought after in today’s market.
Don’t ignore your change—examine it. You could be just one coin away from a life-changing discovery.
FAQs
What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head V-Nickel, a rare transitional error, has sold for over $3 million.
How can I tell if I have the 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel?
Look for the “D” mintmark and a buffalo with only three visible legs—a result of a die polishing error.
Are Buffalo Nickels still in circulation?
No, they were last minted in 1938, but they can still be found in old collections, jars, or coin shows.