7 Buffalo Nickels Worth Over $1 Million Combined: Buffalo Nickels, minted from 1913 to 1938, are among the most iconic U.S. coins. While most are common, certain rare editions have skyrocketed in value, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In this guide, we’ll highlight seven Buffalo Nickels that, when combined, exceed $1 million in total worth. If you own any of these, you could be sitting on a numismatic treasure.
1. 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel
This rarity emerged when the Denver Mint repurposed a 1917 die by overdating it with 1918. The overlapping numbers create a distinctive error that collectors prize.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $350,000 in high grades
2. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
This coin features a striking doubling of the date on the front, making it one of the most desirable error nickels.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $281,000 in mint condition
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
Boasting the lowest mintage of the entire series, the 1926-S is a rare find, especially in pristine condition.
- Mintage: 970,000
- Estimated Value: Up to $322,000 in top grades
4. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A die-polishing mishap resulted in this variety, where the buffalo appears to be missing one of its legs.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $150,000 in high grades
5. 1936-D Three-and-a-Half Legs Buffalo Nickel
Similar to the Three-Legged variety, this coin exhibits a partially erased leg due to excessive die polishing.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $21,000 in mint condition
6. 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel
An overdate mistake where a 1913 die was re-engraved for 1914 makes this a rare collector’s item.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $7,000 in high grades
7. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
This variety features distinct doubling on the reverse lettering, making it a standout piece for collectors.
- Mintage: Unknown due to the error
- Estimated Value: Up to $104,650 in mint state
Summary of Estimated Values
| Year | Variety | Mintage | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D | Overdate | Unknown | Up to $350,000 |
| 1916 | Doubled Die Obverse | Unknown | Up to $281,000 |
| 1926-S | Low Mintage | 970,000 | Up to $322,000 |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged | Unknown | Up to $150,000 |
| 1936-D | Three-and-a-Half Legs | Unknown | Up to $21,000 |
| 1914/3 | Overdate | Unknown | Up to $7,000 |
| 1935 | Doubled Die Reverse | Unknown | Up to $104,650 |
Do You Own One of These Rare Buffalo Nickels?
Buffalo Nickels remain one of the most beloved and collectible coins in U.S. history, with certain rare versions fetching astronomical prices. Checking your collection for these key varieties could reveal a hidden fortune.
To stay informed about market trends and values, consider professional coin appraisals and updated numismatic guides.
FAQs
How can I identify a 1918/7-D Overdate Buffalo Nickel? Look closely at the date under magnification; you should see traces of a 7 beneath the 8, confirming the overdate error.
Why does the Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel exist? The error occurred when excessive die polishing removed one of the buffalo’s legs from the design.
Are all Buffalo Nickels valuable? While many are common and hold moderate value, rare varieties and those in excellent condition can be worth a fortune.