The Buffalo Nickel, produced between 1913 and 1938, holds a special place in American numismatics due to its iconic design and the fascinating history it represents. While many of these coins are common and found in coin collections across the country, certain rare variants, characterized by mint errors and low mintages, have become highly coveted treasures in the coin collecting world. Let’s explore seven of these extraordinary Buffalo Nickels that could turn a casual collection into a treasure trove.
.1. The 1918/7-D Overdate Nickel: A Mint Error Worth a Fortune.
.A Historical Coin Error.
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel stands out as one of the most significant minting errors in U.S. coinage history. This coin resulted from the overuse of a 1917 die that was repurposed and stamped with a 1918 date at the Denver Mint. This overdate error has made the 1918/7-D one of the most sought-after coins among collectors, with values soaring up to $350,000 for coins in high-grade condition.
.2. The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickel: A Striking Misprint.
.A Collector’s Dream.
In 1916, a noticeable misalignment during the minting process led to the creation of the doubled die obverse Buffalo Nickel. This error made the date on the coin appear doubled, a distinctive feature that makes this particular nickel highly desirable to collectors. With its estimated value reaching up to $281,000 in mint condition, this coin is a testament to how minting flaws can increase a coin’s rarity and value.
.3. The 1926-S Nickel: A Rarity from San Francisco.
.Scarce and Highly Valuable.
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel boasts the lowest mintage in the entire series, with only 970,000 coins produced. This scarcity, combined with the fact that most were heavily circulated, makes finding one in mint condition extremely rare and valuable, potentially worth up to $322,000. Collectors prize this nickel for its rarity and the challenge it presents in finding one in top condition.
.4. The 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel: An Unusual Error.
.The Coin with a Missing Leg.
Perhaps one of the most peculiar errors in the Buffalo Nickel series is the 1937-D “Three-Legged” variety, which resulted from over-polishing the die used to strike the coins. This excessive polishing removed part of the buffalo’s front leg, creating a three-legged appearance. This striking error increases the coin’s value dramatically, with high-grade examples fetching up to $150,000.
.5. The 1936-D Three-and-a-Half Legs Nickel: Rare but Accessible.
.A Less Known Yet Valuable Variety.
Similar to the 1937-D, the 1936-D Buffalo Nickel suffered from over-polishing, which led to the partial removal of one buffalo leg, giving it the nickname “Three-and-a-Half Legs.” While it is less well-known and not as valuable as the 1937-D, this variant still commands a significant price, with values up to $21,000 for coins in mint condition.
.6. The 1914/3 Nickel: Another Overdate Marvel.
.Collecting a Piece of Minting History.
The 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel is an intriguing overdate error where a 1913 die was reused with a 1914 stamp, leaving a faint “3” visible under the “4.” This subtle yet significant error makes it a sought-after piece for serious collectors, with values reaching up to $7,000 in high grades.
.7. The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Nickel: A Mistake on the Back.
.Double the Detail, Double the Value.
In 1935, some Buffalo Nickels were struck with a doubled die on the reverse, causing a duplication in the inscriptions. This doubling is particularly clear and makes the coin exceptionally rare and valuable, especially in uncirculated condition, with prices going as high as $104,650.
