Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938)
Mint Mark Information

Upon hearing the Mint was considering a new nickel type, famed artist James Earle Fraser proposed a design with deep American overtones.

Fraser wrote in 1911 “The idea of the Indian and the buffalo on the same coin is, without doubt, purely American and seems to be singularly appropriate to have on one of our national coins.”

Overcoming objections from within the Mint and vending machine companies, Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel was chosen and began circulating in 1913.

The Buffalo Nickel was an artistic success, but from a practical use standpoint, somewhat mediocre. Premature wear necessitated modifications to the design within a few months after its release, resulting in what numismatists call Type 2 Buffalo Nickels.

The most obvious feature of the Type 2 nickel is the Buffalo standing on a straight line, with FIVE CENTS in recess below to protect against wear. Type 1 nickels have the buffalo standing on a raised rocky mound, with FIVE CENTS stamped on the mound, fully exposing it to contact.

The Buffalo Nickel remained in production until 1938.

Buffalo Nickel Obverse

Buffalo Nickel Reverse

The Buffalo Nickel Mint Mark is located on reverse at center bottom, directly below the buffalo and the words "five cents".

The following table lists the Mint Marks found on the Buffalo Nickel:

Mint Marks were used every year the Buffalo Nickel was issued. The series ran from 1913 to 1938, though none were produced in 1922, 1932, or 1933.

Buffalo Nickel and Mint Mark location photos just to the right were provided courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

Over the course of many decades, Buffalo Nickels have enjoyed better than average popularity among numismatists.

Collectors of modest means are attracted to them because of their strong American theme and affordability. Buyers of the investment class appreciate certain dates with remarkable records of value increases.

What are these dates you ask? Several of them that standout the most are the 1913-S Type 2, the 1918/7-D overdate, and the 1937-D three legged buffalo. The 1916 double die obverse is important too, and is priced the highest.

In case you're wondering how some of the 1937-D nickels ended up having a buffalo with three legs, here is what happened: One day in 1937, a Denver Mint employee with little experience tried to repair a slightly damaged nickel reverse die with a file. He fixed the problem alright, but in doing so, wiped out one of the buffalo's forelegs. Striking of coins with the die continued. By the time the error in judgment was discovered, a small number of three legged Buffs had escaped into numismatic lore.

Key date Buffalo Nickels are listed individually in the boxes below. When you click the "View All" button at the bottom of each box, all examples certified by PCGS, NGC, ICG, and ANACS currently for sale on eBay will come up. Good luck on the bidding. You will have competition.

1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel

1916 Dbl Die Buffalo Nickel

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel

1937-D 3 Legs Buffalo Nickel