The Indian Head nickel, also known as the Buffalo nickel, is a popular collectible coin because of its historical significance and unique design.
Coin collecting has offered historians a gateway through time and culture.
Today, we discuss the advantages of owning an Indian head buffalo nickel, what makes it worth collecting, and if it’s viable for your collection.
History of Indian Buffalo Head Nickels
A sculptor by the name of James Earle Fraser created the Indian Buffalo head nickel. From 1913 to 1938, the U.S. minted this coin to expand the beauty of American coinage. It offered an arcane and unique style to the national currency and would later grow in popularity and value beyond belief. The front of the coin features an Indian man wearing a traditional native headdress. At the same time, the back portrays a 4-legged water buffalo standing on a dirt mound—James Fraser based his design on various American Indian Chiefs. There are several variations of the Indian head buffalo nickel that make it so rare. These variations include manufacturing year, mint marks, and the famous 3-legged buffalo coin. If you are a coin connoisseur, there are numerous reasons why the Indian buffalo nickel should be your next collector’s item.
Advantages of Collecting Indian Buffalo Head Nickels
Top three advantages of collecting the Indian buffalo head nickels:
- Increase in value
- Connecting with Native American culture and history
- Education and wealth opportunities
Not only is coin collecting a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s also a great way to start, learn, and appreciate the culture of numismatics (the study of medals, paper currency, or coins). The Indian buffalo nickel head is a highly sought-after coin ranging in value from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not all coins are created alike. There are minor distinctions between the rarest Indian head coins. Collecting coins will increase your skills and allow you to spot highly-priced coins quickly. Coin collecting can open a door of opportunities for investments and increased fortune if done correctly.
The Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels
As you begin your coin-collecting journey, keep an eye out for specific coin dates and marks. These coins are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the condition, rarity, and year. Below is a small list of precious buffalo head coins. There are many more variations of greater or less value.
- 1926-S: $6,500-$10,000
- 1935-P: $5,000-$6,000
- 1936-D (3-legged buffalo): $16,000-$21,000
- 1918-S: $700-$2500
- 1941-P: $2500-$6,000
Look for coins with the mint mark S on the back. There are many valuable coins in circulation with this mark.
Considerations for Collecting Indian Head Buffalo Nickels
When collecting Indian head buffalo nickels. Consider these essential factors:
- Condition of the coin: is it well-preserved, worn, damaged, etc.?
- Date:What year was the coin minted?
- Rareness:Is this a common coin in circulation or scarce compared to others?
- Strike grade: Is the quality of the coin good with a clear and visible design?
- Place of origin:What is the coin’s history and original birthplace?
- Market Value:What is the coin worth in today’s market?
- Authenticity:Was the coin certified by a reputable grading company?
The Takeaway
The Indian head buffalo nickel is ideal for a starter or veteran collector’s coin. It is one of the rarest and most unique coins in history, with a 25-year minting period. In today’s market, any of these coins may have a value of thousands or more. Learn more about the history of the Indian head buffalo nickel and search for an expert coin company to give you accurate appraisals for your coin’s worth.
