In the realm of numismatics, the Buffalo Nickel stands as a testament to American heritage and artistry. Among these coveted coins, a select few have attained an extraordinary value that has captivated collectors worldwide. These Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels possess unique characteristics and exceptional condition, making them highly sought-after treasures in the numismatic market. Their allure extends beyond their monetary worth, as they embody a piece of American history and serve as a poignant reminder of the nation’s westward expansion.
One of the defining factors that contribute to the exceptional value of these Buffalo Nickels is their pristine condition. Coins that have survived the passage of time without significant wear or damage command a premium among collectors. The original luster, sharp details, and vibrant surfaces of these coins enhance their aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Numismatists meticulously examine every aspect of these coins, from the clarity of the design to the absence of any imperfections, to determine their true value and rarity.
Furthermore, the mintage numbers of these coins play a crucial role in their value. Buffalo Nickels with particularly low mintages are considered exceptionally rare and highly desirable. The value of a coin can increase significantly if it was produced in a limited quantity, as it indicates its scarcity and the potential for appreciation over time. Collectors eagerly pursue these rare specimens, recognizing their numismatic importance and the opportunity to acquire a piece of American history that is both valuable and enduring.
The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel
The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel is one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in American numismatics. Its rarity, historical significance, and iconic design have made it a prized possession for collectors. Here’s a detailed account of this legendary coin:
Minting and Distribution: The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel was minted in early 1913 at the Philadelphia Mint using dies with the previous year’s (1912) date. Approximately 2,500 pieces were struck before the error was discovered, and all but five or six known specimens were melted down.
Design and Features: The obverse of the coin features the iconic profile of an American bison, designed by James Earle Fraser. The reverse depicts an American Indian chief, thought to be Oglala Lakota leader Iron Tail, surrounded by five stars. The motto “In God We Trust” is also inscribed on the reverse.
Rarity and Value: The extreme rarity of the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel has made it one of the most valuable coins in American history. It is estimated that only five or six examples exist today, and each has been valued at millions of dollars. One specimen sold at auction in 2020 for a record-breaking $4.2 million.
The following table summarizes the key details of the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint | Philadelphia Mint |
| Year | 1913 (Type 1) |
| Mintage | Approximately 2,500 |
| Known Survivors | 5-6 |
| Value | Millions of dollars |
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo nickel, minted at the San Francisco mint, is one of the scarcest and most valuable Buffalo nickels. With a mintage of just 1,512,400 coins, it is over 100 times rarer than the common date Buffalo nickels.
The 1921-S Buffalo nickel is also unique in that it is the only Buffalo nickel issue that was not produced in large quantities for circulation. The majority of the coins were melted down and re-used for other purposes, making them even rarer.
Today, the 1921-S Buffalo nickel is highly sought after by collectors and can command a high price. In recent years, a few examples have sold for over $100,000.
Grading the 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The value of a 1921-S Buffalo nickel is largely determined by its grade. The following table provides a guide to the different grades and their approximate values:
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G) | $100-$500 |
| Very Good (VG) | $200-$1,000 |
| Fine (F) | $500-$2,500 |
| Very Fine (VF) | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF) | $2,500-$10,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS) | $10,000-$100,000 |
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels due to its low mintage and high demand among collectors. Only 576,800 coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, making it one of the rarest Buffalo Nickels in existence.
3. Condition and Value
The condition of the coin significantly affects its value. Uncirculated coins in mint state condition are highly sought after and can command high prices. Coins in Good or Fine condition are still valuable but will be worth less than Uncirculated coins.
The following table provides an approximate value range for 1926-S Buffalo Nickels based on their condition:
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Good | $25-$50 |
| Fine | $50-$100 |
| Very Fine | $100-$200 |
| Extremely Fine | $200-$400 |
| Uncirculated | $400-$1,000+ |
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in the United States. The error occurred when the dies used to strike the coins were misaligned, resulting in the buffalo’s rear right leg being missing. This error is believed to have occurred on only a small number of coins, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel was discovered in the 1950s by a coin dealer named Sol Kaplan. Kaplan sold the coin to a collector for $1,500, which was a substantial sum of money at the time. The coin has since changed hands several times and is now worth over $100,000.
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating example of an error coin. Its rarity and historical significance make it a valuable collectible that is sure to continue to fascinate collectors for years to come.
Varieties
There are two known varieties of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel:
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | Buffalo’s front right leg is farther from the rim than its front left leg. |
| Type 2 | Buffalo’s front right leg is closer to the rim than its front left leg. |
Type 1 is the more common variety, with an estimated mintage of 10,000 to 20,000 coins. Type 2 is much rarer, with an estimated mintage of only 5,000 to 10,000 coins.
The 1938-D Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1938-D Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is a legendary coin in the world of numismatics. It stands out as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry that went into coin production in the early 20th century.
Design and Errors
The 1938-D Buffalo Nickel bears the classic design of James Earle Fraser, featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and an American buffalo on the reverse. However, this particular coin exhibits a doubled die error on the obverse, resulting in a distinctive doubling effect on the lettering and elements of the design.
Rarity and Value
The 1938-D Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is extremely rare, with only five known examples in existence. Its scarcity has made it one of the most valuable coins in American history. The value of the coin varies depending on its condition and grade, but it typically sells for several hundred thousand dollars or more in auction.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| PCGS MS64 | $375,000 |
| PCGS MS65 | $500,000+ |
Discovery and Ownership
The first known example of the 1938-D Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel was discovered by a coin dealer named L.A. “Mike” Rasmussen in the early 1940s. Over the years, the coin has exchanged hands among various collectors and institutions, with its most recent sale occurring in 2020 for a record-breaking price.
Comparison to Other Buffalo Nickels
The 1938-D Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel stands out among other Buffalo Nickels due to its extreme rarity and value. The doubling error on the obverse creates a unique and visually appealing effect that sets it apart from the more common issues. Its significance lies in its historical importance and its place as one of the most collectible coins in American numismatics.
The 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickel
In 1943, the United States Mint was facing a shortage of nickel due to the war effort. As a result, they began producing steel cents to conserve nickel for wartime production. However, a small number of steel planchets were accidentally used to strike Buffalo nickels. These error coins are known as the 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickels.
The 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickels are extremely rare, with only a few dozen known to exist. They are highly sought-after by collectors and can command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Identifying the 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickel
The 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickel can be identified by its unique appearance:
- The coin is not made of nickel, but rather of steel. This can be determined by the coin’s weight and magnetic properties. Steel is less dense than nickel, so a steel Buffalo nickel will weigh less than a regular nickel. Steel is also magnetic, while nickel is not.
- The coin has a different color than a regular Buffalo nickel. Steel Buffalo nickels are typically a dull gray color, while regular Buffalo nickels are a bright silver color.
- The coin has a different texture than a regular Buffalo nickel. Steel Buffalo nickels are typically rougher to the touch than regular Buffalo nickels.
The following table summarizes the key differences between the 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickel and a regular Buffalo nickel:
| Characteristic | 1943-P Steel Cent Error Buffalo Nickel | Regular Buffalo Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel | Nickel |
| Weight | 4.3 grams | 5.0 grams |
| Magnetic | Yes | No |
| Color | Dull gray | Bright silver |
| Texture | Rough | Smooth |
The 1950-D Silver Buffalo Nickel
The 1950-D Silver Buffalo Nickel was a special commemorative issue released by the United States Mint to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Buffalo Nickel. Only 1,059,800 pieces were minted, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Buffalo Nickels today.
Distinguishing Features
The 1950-D Silver Buffalo Nickel is easily identifiable by its unique features:
- Obverse: Features the classic design of James Earle Fraser, depicting a Native American chief and a buffalo.
- Reverse: Displays the denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the year “1950” within a wreath.
- Mint Mark: Located below the year on the reverse, indicating the coin was struck at the Denver Mint (D).
- Silver Content: Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Edge: Reeded.
- Weight: 5.0 grams.
- Diameter: 21.21 millimeters.
Historical Significance
The 1950-D Silver Buffalo Nickel was a special issue that marked the 50th anniversary of the original Buffalo Nickel, first released in 1913. The silver content symbolized the importance of the occasion, and the limited mintage has made it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Value
The value of a 1950-D Silver Buffalo Nickel depends on several factors, including its grade, preservation, and rarity. In general, uncirculated specimens can fetch upwards of $1,000, while circulated examples may sell for several hundred dollars or more. The following table provides an estimate of values based on condition:
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Mint State (MS-65) | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $1,000-$1,500 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $500-$750 |
| Fine (F-15) | $250-$350 |
The 1966-D Proof Buffalo Nickel
The 1966-D Proof Buffalo Nickel is one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels ever produced. Only 5,020 pieces were struck, making it one of the rarest issues in the series. The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it has a matte finish. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of a Native American chief, while the reverse features a depiction of a buffalo. The coin is also known for its high relief design, which gives it a three-dimensional appearance.
Grade and Value
The value of a 1966-D Proof Buffalo Nickel depends on its grade. The following table shows the approximate value of the coin in different grades:
| Grade | Value | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-60 | $1,500 | ||||||||||||
| MS-63 | $2,500 | ||||||||||||
| MS-65 | $5,000 | ||||||||||||
| MS-67 | $10,000 | ||||||||||||
| MS-70 | $25,000
Condition and RarityThe 1966-D Proof Buffalo Nickel is a very rare coin, and it is important to make sure that the coin you are purchasing is genuine. The coin should be examined by a professional numismatist to ensure that it is authentic. The coin should also be in good condition, with no major scratches or dents. The coin’s surfaces should be smooth and free of any spotting or toning The 1967-S Proof Buffalo NickelThe 1967-S Proof Buffalo Nickel is one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels in existence. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1967 and has a mintage of only 2,536 pieces. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel and weighs 5 grams. It has a diameter of 21.21 millimeters and a thickness of 1.95 millimeters. The obverse of the coin features a profile of a Native American chief, while the reverse features a bison standing on a mound. The coin’s edges are reeded. The 1967-S Proof Buffalo Nickel is highly sought-after by collectors and is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever struck by the United States Mint. Grade and ValueThe 1967-S Proof Buffalo Nickel is typically graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The following table shows the approximate value of the coin in different grades:
The value of the coin can vary depending on the condition of the coin and the demand for the coin at the time of sale.
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