If you have a Buffalo nickel with no Mint mark or date, it could be a variety of different years. To determine the date of your Buffalo Nickel, you will first need to identify the design on the reverse side.
It can either be the Type 1 design or the Type 2 design. The Type 1 design features the words “FIVE CENTS” with the buffalo standing on a mound, and the Type 2 design features the words “FIVE CENTS” with the buffalo standing on a straight line.
Once you’ve identified the design, you can then use the characteristics of each type to determine the approximate date of your Buffalo Nickel. Coins of the Type 1 design were struck from 1913 to 1938, while coins of the Type 2 design were struck from between 1938 to 1940.
In addition to being able to use the design of the coin to help determine the date, you can also look for other characteristics such as the position of the Buffalo’s head, placement of the ‘FIVE CENTS’ text, and the size and shape of the mint mark (if present).
Looking at all these factors can help you get a better idea of the date of a Buffalo Nickel with no date.
How do I know if I have a rare Buffalo nickel?
If you think you may have a rare Buffalo nickel, the first step is to determine which issues of the Buffalo Nickel were minted during the years that the coin was made: 1913, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1918 and 1920.
Then, you should check your coin’s date, mintmark (if any), and condition. While all Buffalo Nickels are relatively valuable, some are more so than others. Some are considered to be especially rare because of their low mintage figures, date or mintmark, and condition.
By examining the date and mintmark, if present, you can determine which Buffalo Nickels are considered rare. For instance, the 1913 Buffalo Nickel with no mintmark is the rarest of all Buffalo Nickels.
Other Buffalo Nickels from specific years are also highly sought after. The 1913-S (San Francisco), 1914-D (Denver), 1915-S (San Francisco), 1918-S (San Francisco), and 1920-S (San Francisco) all have relatively low mintage figures, making them rare.
Finally, the condition of the coin will have a major influence on its value. Coins that are heavily circulated and have minimal details left are typically not worth much. However, rare Buffalo Nickels that are in better condition can be quite valuable.
The most valuable Buffalo Nickels are considered to be those that are in uncirculated (MS-63 or higher) condition. Such coins often command very high prices due to their rarity and condition.
By doing research on each Buffalo Nickel design and carefully examining your own coin, you will be able to determine if it is a rare coin. If you think your coin is rare, it is recommended that you get it authenticated and graded by a professional coin grading service.
An authenticated, graded coin with its population report provides the best assurance of its value.
What is the most valuable year for a Buffalo nickel?
The most valuable year for a Buffalo nickel is 1913, with one example selling for over $5 million in 2019. It is the first year the coin was issued, and only 5 coins of this date were made. The nickel was struck in the Philadelphia Mint, so collectors often refer to it as the 1913 Philadelphia Buffalo Nickel, though other Buffalo nickels were made in the San Francisco Mint in the same year.
The coins that are known to exist have a “Type 1” design, with a bison, which is referred to as a “humpback,” on the back of the coin, as opposed to the “Type 2” designs of future coins featuring a standing bison.
The coin was sold at an auction as part of the Newman Numismatic Education Society’s collection, and its condition was said to be in “gem proof-65 condition,” meaning that the coin is virtually flawless.
This high condition is what drove the price of the coin up to the astonishingly high value of over $5 million.
What are the key dates for Buffalo nickels?
The Buffalo Nickel (also known as the Indian Head Nickel) was a copper-nickel five-cent piece produced by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, who based the design on a composite of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail (Sioux, Oglala Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne, Arapho) and John Big Tree (Seneca, Onondaga).
The key dates for Buffalo Nickels are 1913-S, 1913-D, 1914-D, 1915-S, 1920-S, 1924-D, and 1937-D.
The 1913-S (San Francisco) is quite rare, as only 5,337,000 were produced. Of the 5,337,000 coins produced, many were broken or defaced due to poor production quality. The population of authentic specimens of the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel is estimated to be between 500 and 700.
This makes it one of the most sought-after and valuable coins in the series.
The 1913-D (Denver) also has a low mintage of 1,230,000 and is another rare and valuable coin in the series. As with the 1913-S, many of the coins were broken or defaced due to poor production quality.
The population of intact specimens is unknown but estimated to be between two- and five-hundred.
The 1914-D (Denver) had a mintage of 1,245,000 and is considered “semi-key” due to its moderately low mintage. While it is not as rare as the 1913-S and 1913-D coins, it is more valuable than other coins in the series.
The 1915-S (San Francisco) was produced in a much larger quantity compared to the 1913-S and 1913-D, with a mintage of 8,508,000. However, it is still considered to be a key date due to its low population of intact coins.
It is estimated to be between five- and nine-thousand specimens.
The 1920-S (San Francisco) is a very rare coin with a mintage of 1,720,000 but only a population of fewer than 1000 intact coins. The 1924-D (Denver) has an estimated population of six- to nine-thousand intact coins out of the 6,829,000 coins produced.
Finally, the 1937-D (Denver) with a mintage of over 22 million is considered to be the last of the semi-key dates in the series. The number of intact coins is estimated to be between two- and three-thousand coins.
What nickels should I keep?
As it is ultimately up to the individual to decide which coins they want to keep. However, if you are looking to start collecting or investing in nickels, then there are certain pieces that may be worth keeping.
One popular option is the Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, which was released in 1913 and is considered a classic. Other variations of the Buffalo nickel, such as the 1916-D and 1916-S, can also be quite valuable.
Additionally, the Shield nickel, which was minted from 1866 to 1883, can be of great value if it is an early date. Jefferson nickels from 1939 to the present are also popular among collectors, especially if they have low mintages or special varieties.
Finally, some of the special commemorative nickels issued by the US Mint can be quite valuable, including those from the Westward Journey series and the degree set. Ultimately, the best way to determine which coins to keep is to do your research and decide which type appeals to you the most.
What makes a 1935 Buffalo nickel valuable?
The 1935 Buffalo nickel is an iconic piece of American currency and continues to draw interest in the numismatic community. It is especially valuable to collectors of pre-1940s U. S. coins due to its historical significance and scarcity.
Not to mention, it was the last coin to feature a Native American before the U. S. switched to portraying President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse (front) of the nickel.
The 1935 Buffalo nickel can be especially valuable depending on its grade. Expert coin grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) grade coins on the basis of their luster and general condition, with a grade of MS65 (Uncirculated Mint State 65) being the highest.
Coins of this grade have very few, if any, blemishes or imperfections.
In an auction context, a 1935 Buffalo nickel in MS65 condition is worth anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, while a mid-grade coin may be worth a few hundred. Prices may also vary based on factors such as the coin’s overall eye appeal, the amount of luster it retains, and its condition.
Are 1929 Buffalo nickels worth anything?
Yes, 1929 Buffalo nickels are worth something. They’re usually valued based on their condition and can sell for anywhere between $0.25 in Good (G-4) condition to nearly $1000 for an uncirculated (MS-65) coin.
In general though, most 1929 Buffalo nickels can be bought for between $2.50 and $50, depending on their grade. Some special coins, such as a 1929-S or 1929-D, can be worth significantly more than the other coins from the same year.
Additionally, some of the 1929 nickel varieties, like the 1929 Doubled Die variety, can also significantly increase the coins’ value. It is important for collectors to also note that any 1929 nickel that has been altered in any way can also be worth more than coins in the same condition.
How many 3 legged Buffalo nickels are there?
There does not appear to be an exact answer to this question, as the 3 legged Buffalo nickel is a common error coin. Error coins are notoriously difficult to accurately count, so it is difficult to estimate the exact number in circulation.
Many examples of this error were made and can be found. Buffalo nickels with 3 legs were created due to the file line misplacement on the reverse die, resulting in the buffalo missing one of its legs.
The error was most likely caused by the dies being used multiple times without proper cleaning or lubrication, which is likely why the error is so common. Out of the millions of Buffalo nickels minted during the years 1913 to 1938, there are likely thousands of 3 legged Buffalo nickels in circulation.
How much is a 1936 buffalo head nickel worth today?
The value of a 1936 buffalo head nickel depends on its condition and type, as well as other factors. Uncirculated 1936 buffalo head nickels are are generally valued higher than circulated coins. A 1936-D nickel in excellent condition with no wear is worth around $50, while a 1936 nickel in good condition with some wear is worth around $13.
A 1936-S nickel in excellent condition with no wear is worth around $700, and a 1936-S nickel in good condition with some wear is worth around $25. Certified 1936 buffalo head nickels in excellent condition can be worth even more, ranging from several hundred dollars to over $1,000.
What is a Buffalo nickel worth with no date on it?
The value of a Buffalo nickel with no date on it is dependent on a few factors, such as the condition of the coin, the mint mark (if any), and if it has any mint errors. On average, a Buffalo nickel in good condition with no date can be worth anywhere from 25 cents to several dollars.
However, if the coin is in excellent condition, has a mint mark, or has any errors, it can be worth significantly more, potentially hundreds of dollars. A more specific value can be determined by bringing the coin to a reputable coin dealer to be appraised.
Do all Buffalo nickels have dates on them?
No, not all Buffalo nickels have dates on them, as some have been found without any dates stamped on them. As with many older coins, errors do occasionally occur during the minting process, and this can lead to coins being released without dates.
Such coins usually carry a significant premium. Even if a Buffalo nickel has a date on it, it may be difficult to read if the coin has been in circulation for some time and has become worn or corroded.
Collectors generally prefer Buffalo nickels that are in mint condition and that have a clear and legible date. For more information about dates on Buffalo nickels, a collector can research official mint information and consult certified and trusted coin-grading services.
What is a 1937 D Three Legged Buffalo Nickel worth?
The 1937 D Three Legged Buffalo Nickel is a relatively rare coin and its estimated value can vary greatly depending on condition. In Good-4 condition, it is estimated to be worth around $15-20, while coins in Very Fine-20 condition can be worth up to $200 or more.
As with any rare coin, the final selling price is highly dependent on its condition and whether the coin is of a struck variety or an especially desirable die variety. As such, finding an approximate value for the 1937 D Three Legged Buffalo Nickel can range anywhere from $15 for a heavily circulated coin to $2,000+ for an uncirculated specimen in exceptional condition.