Indian Head Nickel Value: The Coin You’re Actually Searching For

Key Factors Affecting Value

• Date & Mint Mark: Certain dates and mint marks are rarer and therefore more valuable. The 1913-S, 1926-S, and 1937-D are known as the rarest Buffalo nickels. The Indian Head Buffalo nickel no date value is generally lower, but some can still be worth a few dollars. You can find the mint mark on the reverse side below the Buffalo’s feet.
• Condition: Uncirculated coins, which show no signs of wear, are worth much more than worn ones. In fact, an uncirculated one can be 10 to 100 times more valuable than a circulated one of the same date and mint mark.
• “Full Horn” Detail: If the horn is worn down and not clearly visible, the coin’s value will decrease. Collectors prefer those where the “full horn” detail is sharp and complete.
• Strike Quality: Many Buffalo nickels, especially those from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints, have weak strikes. This means some of the design details might not be fully formed. Money with strong, clear strikes are more desirable.

Buffalo Nickel Value Chart (2024 Prices)

Our Indian Head nickel value chart can help you understand how much different coins are worth

Name	Approximate Price
1913-S Type 2	$575 – $1,200
1916 Doubled Die Obverse	$66,000 – $281,000
1918/7-D Overdate	$37,000 – $350,000
1921-S	$1,150 – $2,340
1924-S	$2,500 – $4,000
1926-S	$3,600 – $10,000
1931-S	$70 – $130
1935 Doubled Die Reverse	$5,700 – $6,900
1937-D 3-Legged	$99,875 – $125,000

The 1936 Indian Head nickel value is approximate and may vary depending on the condition, market demand, and other factors.

Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels

Condition Rarities

• Full Date (No Wear) – Adds 50–200% premium

The value of Indian Head nickel coins depends on their date, mint mark, and condition. If you can see every number clearly and sharply, with no part rubbed away, that’s a “full date with no wear.” A clear date means the coin was not used much. It looks almost new. It can be worth one and a half to three times more money.

• Full Horn Detail – Essential for top grades

On a Buffalo Nickel, there’s a picture of a Buffalo with a horn. “Full horn detail” means you can see the whole horn, all its lines and shape are clearly. If the horn is complete and sharp, it shows the coin is in great shape. Coin experts look for this to decide if a coin is one of the best.

• Mint State (MS-65+) – Worth 10–100x more than worn examples

“Mint State” means the coin was never used as money. It looks like it just left the coin factory. It means the piece is almost perfect, very shiny, and has almost no marks. They are much, much more valuable than coins that look old and worn. For instance, the 1927 Indian Head nickel value can increase significantly for uncirculated examples.

How to Identify a Valuable Buffalo Nickel

Check the Date and Mint Mark

First, look at the year the coin was made. This is usually on the front. Then, turn the coin over to the back side. Below the words “FIVE CENTS,” you can see a small letter. This letter is called the mint mark. It tells you where the coin was made.

• If you see a D, it was made in Denver.
• If you see an S, it was made in San Francisco.
• If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia.

Examine the Horn and Date

• Full Horn: On the back of the coin, there is a picture of a Buffalo. Look at its horn. If the horn is sharp and clear with all its details, this is called a “full horn.” Coins with a full horn are often more valuable because it means the coin has less wear. For instance, the 1923 Indian Head nickel value is often higher for coins that show strong details.
• Weak Date: Sometimes the year on the coin can look blurry or hard to read. This is called a “weak date.” It happened often because of how these coins were made. A weak date usually means the coin is worth less money. A 1925 Indian Head nickel value is determined by its condition and strong date

Look for Errors

• 1937-D 3-Legged: One famous error is the 1937-D coin. On these coins, the Buffalo looks like it is missing one of its front legs. This happened by accident during the making of the coin.The value of 1936 Indian Head nickel coins can be found in detailed online coin catalogs.
• 1916/1916 Doubled Die: Another special error is the 1916 coin where some of the numbers in the date look blurry or doubled. 
• Off-metal strikes: Very rarely, a Buffalo Nickel could be made on the wrong type of metal. For example, it could be made on a penny’s copper planchet instead of the usual nickel. These errors are very rare and highly sought after.

FAQ

Key Takeaways

• Most Buffalo nickels are worth $1–$50. These common coins usually show some wear.
• Key dates (1913-S, 1926-S, 1937-D 3-Legged) are worth much more. Their value can range from $500 to over $50,000, depending on their condition.
• A full horn and a sharp, clear date significantly increase a coin’s value. Such details show the coin has very little wear.
• Never clean coins. Cleaning them will damage their original surface and ruin their value for collectors.

In conclusion, understanding the value of Indian Head Buffalo nickel coins requires knowing their history. From rare mint errors like the 1937-D 3-Legged variety to low mintage figures of early issues like the 1913-S Type 2, each coin has a story that directly impacts its worth. By learning about these historical details and the specific features you can better appreciate the coinage market.