Buffalo nickels are a popular coin among collectors and investors. These historic coins are often sought after due to their unique design and potential value. If you’re a fan of coin collecting or interested in numismatics, certain Buffalo nickels can be worth a fortune. In this blog, we will look at the top 5 Buffalo nickels that could make you rich.
What Makes Buffalo Nickels Valuable?
Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938, featuring a Native American and a buffalo on their design. The design of these coins is one of the reasons they are so highly prized. However, the value of these coins depends on factors such as their rarity, condition, and the year they were minted. Some Buffalo nickels are more valuable than others due to their scarcity or unique errors.
Here are the top 5 Buffalo nickels that could make you rich:
1. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
- Mint Year: 1913
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Rarity: Very Rare
The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel is among the rarest coins in the Buffalo nickel series. It is highly sought after by collectors because of its rarity and historical significance. Only a few of these coins remain in good condition, making them extremely valuable.
The “Type 2” refers to a slightly different design on the reverse side of the coin, which shows the buffalo with a raised hump. This rare variant can sell for over $100,000 in mint condition. For collectors, this coin is a holy grail!
2. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- Mint Year: 1926
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Rarity: Rare
The 1926-S Buffalo nickel is another rare coin from the San Francisco mint. Despite being produced in large quantities, it is hard to find in excellent condition. The 1926-S is valued due to its limited availability and the strong demand among collectors.
If you have a 1926-S Buffalo nickel in good condition, you might be looking at a value of around $10,000 to $25,000. Even in average condition, this coin can be worth several thousand dollars, making it a prized possession.
3. 1918-D Buffalo Nickel
- Mint Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Rarity: Rare
The 1918-D Buffalo nickel is notable for its low mintage, making it a rare find. This coin is also highly valued because of its sharp design and historical importance. It features a buffalo on the reverse side and a Native American on the obverse side, which collectors love.
Depending on the condition of the coin, a 1918-D Buffalo nickel could be worth anywhere from $1,500 to over $20,000. The value increases with the coin’s condition, and the rarer the coin, the more expensive it becomes.
4. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- Mint Year: 1937
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Rarity: Extremely Rare
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo nickel is famous for an error in the coin’s design. In this variant, the buffalo on the reverse side is missing one of its legs. This mistake happened during the minting process, making this coin a top collector’s item.
The 3-Legged Buffalo nickel can fetch anywhere between $10,000 and $100,000 or more, depending on the condition. The higher the quality of the coin, the more it is worth. If you happen to find one of these rare coins, you’re likely to strike it rich.
5. 1916/1916-D Buffalo Nickel
- Mint Year: 1916
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Rarity: Rare
The 1916/1916-D Buffalo nickel is another highly valued coin due to its dual date minting. It’s one of the few coins in which the year of minting overlaps. This variation makes it incredibly rare and valuable, especially for collectors.
Coins in excellent condition can sell for over $50,000, and even coins in lower grades still hold substantial value. This coin’s rarity and the historical significance make it an essential piece for serious collectors.
How to Identify Valuable Buffalo Nickels
When it comes to identifying Buffalo nickels that could make you rich, there are a few key features to look for:
- Mint Marks: Always check for mint marks on the reverse side of the coin.
- Condition: Coins in better condition (higher grades) are worth more.
- Rarity: The fewer the coins produced, the higher the value.
- Design Flaws: Errors or unique design variations can drastically increase a coin’s worth.
It’s also essential to get your coins appraised by an expert to determine their true value. Consulting with a reputable numismatist can help you find out if your Buffalo nickel is one of the rare and valuable ones.
FAQs
What makes a Buffalo nickel valuable?
Buffalo nickels are valuable due to their rarity, condition, and design. Rare mint marks or errors can increase their worth.
How can I tell if my Buffalo nickel is valuable?
Check the mint mark, year of minting, and condition of the coin. Rare variations and design flaws can significantly increase its value.
Are all Buffalo nickels worth a lot of money?
No, not all Buffalo nickels are worth a lot. The rarest coins with errors or low mintage are typically the most valuable.
How do I find a rare Buffalo nickel?
Look for coins from certain years like 1913, 1926, or 1937, especially if they have mint marks or design errors.
Can I sell my Buffalo nickel online?
Yes, you can sell Buffalo nickels online through platforms like eBay or through professional numismatists and auction houses.
