The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, holds a special place in American coin history. With its distinct Native American and buffalo design, this coin is an iconic collectible. Beyond its historical charm, some Buffalo Nickels contain unique minting errors, which make them extremely valuable to collectors. Here, we’ll explore five significant Buffalo Nickel errors that could turn an ordinary coin into a high-value collector’s piece.
1. The 1926-D Buffalo Nickel – Weak Strike Error
The 1926-D Buffalo Nickel has a minting error that resulted in weakly struck details, especially on the buffalo’s hair and horn. This weak strike is due to a lower pressure during minting, making it difficult for the finer details to be imprinted on the coin. Collectors find high-quality specimens with sharp details rare, making this coin highly desirable in the collecting community.
- Error Type: Weak Strike
- Location: Obverse (front side)
- Estimated Value in Mint Condition: $1,000 – $5,000
2. 1916 Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Obverse
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel features a noticeable doubling error on the obverse, or front side, which shows an overlapping effect on the Native American’s face. This unique “doubled die” effect occurred because the die, or imprinting tool, shifted slightly, creating a doubled profile. This error has become a prized find for collectors, and a well-preserved piece can be worth thousands.
- Error Type: Doubled Die Obverse
- Location: Native American profile
- Estimated Value in Mint Condition: $3,000 – $10,000
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
One of the most well-known Buffalo Nickel errors is the 1937-D “Three-Legged” variety. This error occurred due to excessive polishing of the die, which removed the buffalo’s front right leg, giving it a three-legged appearance. This unique feature has turned it into one of the most recognizable and valuable Buffalo Nickel errors, often selling for high prices among collectors.
- Error Type: Three-Legged Buffalo
- Location: Reverse (back side)
- Estimated Value in Mint Condition: $3,500 – $15,000
4. 1935 Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Reverse
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel has a doubled die error on the reverse, showing doubling on the buffalo’s legs and the “FIVE CENTS” lettering. This mistake adds to the coin’s collectibility as double-die errors are rare and appealing to collectors.
- Error Type: Doubled Die Reverse
- Location: Reverse
- Estimated Value in Mint Condition: $2,000 – $8,000
5. 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel
The 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel is a rare overdate error. In this variety, traces of the year “3” are visible underneath the “4” in the date. This error happened because the die from 1913 was reused to mint 1914 nickels, resulting in a blended date. Collectors seek this unique coin because of its historical and unusual characteristics.
- Error Type: Overdate
- Location: Date Area
- Estimated Value in Mint Condition: $6,000 – $20,000
Comparison Table of Buffalo Nickel Errors and Their Values
| Coin Year | Error Type | Error Location | Estimated Value (Mint Condition) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926-D | Weak Strike | Obverse | $1,000 – $5,000 | Weak details on buffalo’s hair and horn |
| 1916 | Doubled Die Obverse | Obverse | $3,000 – $10,000 | Doubling on Native American profile |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged Buffalo | Reverse | $3,500 – $15,000 | Missing front leg of buffalo |
| 1935 | Doubled Die Reverse | Reverse | $2,000 – $8,000 | Doubling on legs and “FIVE CENTS” lettering |
| 1914/3 | Overdate | Date Area | $6,000 – $20,000 | Visible “3” under “4” |
Value Estimates of Buffalo Nickel Errors by Coin Type
| Coin Type | Error Value Range (in Mint Condition) |
|---|---|
| Weak Strike (1926-D) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Doubled Die (1916) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Three-Legged Buffalo | $3,500 – $15,000 |
| Doubled Die Reverse | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Overdate (1914/3) | $6,000 – $20,000 |
Conclusion
Buffalo Nickels with these rare errors are more than just coins; they are pieces of American history with unique features that collectors prize. Whether it’s a weak strike, a doubled die, or a three-legged buffalo, these mistakes create distinct, valuable pieces that can sell for thousands of dollars. Collectors worldwide are drawn to these coins, not only for their monetary value but also for the stories they tell about early U.S. minting practices. If you happen to find a Buffalo Nickel with one of these errors, it might just be a valuable addition to your collection or a significant investment.
FAQ’s
What makes a Buffalo Nickel valuable?
Errors like weak strikes, doubled dies, or overdates make certain Buffalo Nickels rare and valuable.
How much is a three-legged Buffalo Nickel worth?
A 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickel can be worth between $3,500 and $15,000 in mint condition.
What is a doubled die error on a Buffalo Nickel?
A doubled die error shows overlapping images, commonly on the Native American profile or buffalo.
How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel has a weak strike?
Weak strikes have blurred or faint details, particularly on the buffalo’s hair or horn.
Where can I sell a valuable Buffalo Nickel?
Rare coin auctions, reputable coin dealers, or online marketplaces for collectors are popular options.