The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, remains one of the most iconic coins in American history. While many of these nickels are common, certain rare variants have appreciated significantly in value over the years.
In this article, we’ll explore seven Buffalo Nickels that, collectively, are worth over $1 million. It’s time to delve into your collection—you might be holding a small fortune without even realizing it.
1. 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
In 1918, a die from 1917 was overdated to 1918 at the Denver Mint, resulting in a distinctive overdate error. This coin is highly sought after by collectors.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $350,000 in high grades
2. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
This rare error features a noticeable doubling of the date on the obverse side, making it a prized possession among numismatists.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $281,000 in mint state
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
With the lowest mintage of the series, the 1926-S is particularly scarce in high grades, contributing to its significant value.
- Mintage: 970,000
- Estimated Value: Up to $322,000 in mint state
4. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A result of over-polishing the die, this variety is missing one of the buffalo’s legs, making it a unique and valuable error coin.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $150,000 in high grades
5. 1936-D Three-and-a-Half Legs Buffalo Nickel
Similar to the three-legged variety, this coin features a partially missing leg due to die polishing errors.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $21,000 in mint state
6. 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel
This overdate error, where a 1913 die was repurposed for 1914, is rare and highly valued by collectors.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $7,000 in high grades
7. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
This variety exhibits a clear doubling on the reverse side, particularly noticeable on the inscriptions.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $104,650 in mint state
| Year | Variety | Mintage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D | Overdate | Unknown | Up to $350,000 |
| 1916 | Doubled Die Obverse | Unknown | Up to $281,000 |
| 1926-S | Low Mintage | 970,000 | Up to $322,000 |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged | Unknown | Up to $150,000 |
| 1936-D | Three-and-a-Half Legs | Unknown | Up to $21,000 |
| 1914/3 | Overdate | Unknown | Up to $7,000 |
| 1935 | Doubled Die Reverse | Unknown | Up to $104,650 |
The Buffalo Nickel series offers a treasure trove of valuable coins, especially those with rare errors or low mintages. Examining your collection carefully could reveal one of these hidden gems, collectively worth over $1 million.
Regularly consulting updated coin value guides and seeking professional appraisals can help you stay informed about the current market values of these numismatic treasures.
FAQs
How can I identify a 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel?
Look closely at the date under magnification; you should see remnants of the number 7 beneath the 8, indicating the overdate error.
What causes a ‘Three-Legged’ Buffalo Nickel?
This error occurred due to excessive polishing of the die, which inadvertently removed one of the buffalo’s legs from the design.
Are all Buffalo Nickels valuable?
While many Buffalo Nickels are common and hold modest value, specific rare varieties and those in exceptional condition can be worth significant amounts.
