Hey there, coin enthusiasts! If you’ve ever rummaged through your pocket change or sifted through Grandma’s old coin collection, you might have come across a Buffalo nickel. These little beauties, minted between 1913 and 1938, are not just nostalgic pieces of American history; some of them can fetch a pretty penny — or, should I say, a pretty nickel?
With their iconic design featuring a Native American on one side and a bison on the other, Buffalo nickels hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. But not all Buffalo nickels are created equal. Some are worth a lot more than their face value. Let’s take a look at a dozen Buffalo nickels that can really make your wallet a little happier.
1. 1913-S Type 1

First up is the 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo nickel. This coin is a legend among collectors, mainly because it’s rare and sought after. If you find one in decent condition, you could be looking at a value of around $7,500 or more. That’s some serious change for a little nickel!
2. 1914
The 1914 Buffalo nickel is another hot item on the market. With only a limited number of these coins in circulation, collectors are eager to grab them. Depending on its condition, a 1914 nickel can sell for anywhere from $500 to $5,000. So if you spot one, hold onto it like it’s a golden ticket!
3. 1916
The 1916 Buffalo nickel is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. This coin is quite scarce, and in fine condition, you might see it go for about $1,800. It’s like that underrated friend who surprises you with their hidden talents when you least expect it!
4. 1921
Next on the list is the 1921 Buffalo nickel. This one’s a bit of a rarity, especially in good condition. If you manage to snag one, it could be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. So keep your eyes peeled; you never know when you might come across this gem!
5. 1923-S
The 1923-S is another must-have for serious collectors. With a mintage of just 1 million coins, it’s pretty rare. Depending on condition, it can sell for about $1,500 to $3,500. It’s like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of three-leaf ones!
6. 1926-S
Now, let’s talk about the 1926-S Buffalo nickel. This coin is scarce and has seen its demand rise significantly over the years. If you find one in excellent shape, it could fetch between $1,500 and $3,000. That’s a nice little payday for something you might’ve thought was just pocket change!
7. 1931-S
The 1931-S Buffalo nickel is another rare find. With its low mintage, it’s become quite the collector’s item. Values can range from $2,000 to a whopping $6,000 depending on condition. So if you stumble upon one, do a little happy dance!
8. 1935
Ah, the 1935 Buffalo nickel. While it’s not as rare as some of the others, it can still fetch a decent price. In mint condition, you might see it go for around $1,000. Not too shabby for a nickel, right?
9. 1936-D
The 1936-D is another one to look for. It has a bit of a following among collectors, and if you have one in good condition, you could sell it for about $500 to $1,500. It’s always nice when something you thought was just a piece of metal turns out to be worth a lot!
10. 1937-D Three-Legged
Now, let’s get into the quirky side of collecting! The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel is famous for its unique error — one of the buffalo’s legs is missing. This coin can go for anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on its condition. It’s like the rare unicorn of nickels!
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