The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938, remains one of the most iconic and sought-after coins among collectors.
Some rare versions in top condition or with unique errors have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions. Here’s a list of 20 of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels ever sold:
1925-D Buffalo Nickel – $57,500
The 1925-D Buffalo Nickel is rare in high grades due to its poor striking quality. Of the 4.5 million coins minted in Denver, only a few remain in top condition.
An MS66 example sold for $57,500 at a 2007 auction, highlighting its lasting appeal among collectors.
1917-D Buffalo Nickel – $20,700
Despite a mintage of around 9.9 million, finding a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel in mint condition is tough.
A PCGS-graded MS67 coin sold for $20,700 in January 2012, underscoring the rarity of well-preserved examples.
1924-D Buffalo Nickel – $44,063
With only 5.2 million minted, the 1924-D Buffalo Nickel is prized for its scarcity. Many coins from this year saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples rare. An MS66 version fetched $44,063 at auction.
1936-D 3½ Legs Buffalo Nickel – $20,700
This rare error coin resulted from over-polishing, which partially erased the bison’s front leg. Its unusual nature makes it highly desirable, with an MS63 example selling for $20,700.
1938 D/S Over Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel – $25,300
A minting error caused a Denver mint mark to be struck over a San Francisco one, creating the D/S variety. An MS68 coin sold for $25,300, making it a prized find for error collectors.
1931-S Buffalo Nickel – $63,250
Due to its low mintage during the Great Depression, the 1931-S Buffalo Nickel is hard to find in good condition.
An MS67 example sold for $63,250 in 2008, making it one of the most valuable coins from this era.
1923-S Buffalo Nickel – $67,563
San Francisco’s 1923 Buffalo Nickels were struck in limited numbers and saw heavy use. An MS66 coin sold for $67,563 in 2013, emphasizing the value of well-preserved examples.
1926-D Buffalo Nickel – $70,500
Known for its weak strike, the 1926-D Buffalo Nickel is difficult to find in crisp condition. An MS67 specimen sold for $70,500 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in 2020.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel – $99,875
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel became famous due to a polishing mishap that erased one of the bison’s front legs. In 2021, an MS66+ example sold for $99,875.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel – $105,750
Heavy circulation makes the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel hard to find in top condition. An MS66+ version sold for $105,750 in 2016, proving its lasting value.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel – $104,650
A doubling error on the reverse side of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel increases its rarity and collector appeal. An MS65 coin sold for $104,650 in 2007.
1919-S Buffalo Nickel – $109,250
The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is scarce in mint condition due to circulation wear. In 2006, an MS66 version sold for $109,250, making it a standout piece among early nickels.
1927-S Buffalo Nickel – $125,350
Low mintage and heavy circulation make the 1927-S Buffalo Nickel rare in top condition. An MS66+ coin sold for $125,350 in 2008.
1918-S Buffalo Nickel – $125,350
High-grade 1918-S Buffalo Nickels are extremely rare due to circulation wear. An MS66 specimen sold for $125,350 in 2008, highlighting its value among serious collectors.
1920-D Buffalo Nickel – $138,000
Buffalo Nickels from Denver in the early 1920s often had weak strikes. A well-preserved MS67 example sold for $138,000, showcasing its desirability.
1917-S Buffalo Nickel – $138,000
The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is hard to find in high grades because of circulation wear. An MS67 example sold for $138,000 in 2008, reflecting its rarity.
1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel – $143,750
The 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel features a revised design and is highly sought after by collectors. An MS68 version sold for $143,750 in 2008.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel – $281,750
A dramatic doubling on the obverse makes this coin one of the most famous error nickels. An MS64 example sold for $281,750 in 2004.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel – $322,000
With a low mintage and heavy circulation, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is extremely rare. An MS66 version sold for $322,000 in 2008, marking it as one of the most valuable nickels ever.
1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel – $350,750
This error coin resulted from a 1917 die being punched with a 1918 date, creating a distinctive overlapping effect.
An MS65 example sold for $350,750 in 2006, making it the most valuable Buffalo Nickel to date.
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