The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is a favorite among collectors. With its distinctive design, it’s an iconic piece of American coinage.
But beyond its artistry, certain errors in these nickels make them incredibly valuable. Let’s explore five significant errors found on Buffalo Nickels that could turn ordinary coins into high-value collectibles.
1926-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-D Buffalo Nickel is rare due to a minting error that resulted in weak strikes, especially on the details of the buffalo’s hair and horn.
Collectors search for well-defined examples, but those with weakly struck details fetch higher prices due to the scarcity of well-preserved pieces. This error makes it one of the most sought-after nickels from the series.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel features a doubling error on the obverse side, most noticeable in the Native American’s profile.
This doubled die error creates an overlapping effect on the face, adding to its uniqueness. Because of the clear doubling and the coin’s age, it is highly prized among collectors and can bring thousands in auctions.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
One of the most famous Buffalo Nickel errors is the 1937-D “Three-Legged” variety. Due to over-polishing at the mint, the front right leg of the buffalo appears missing.
This error makes the coin appear as if the buffalo has only three legs, and it’s widely known and very valuable, often fetching high prices in mint condition.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse
The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel has a distinctive doubling effect on the reverse side. The doubling is typically visible on the buffalo’s legs and “FIVE CENTS” lettering.
This error significantly increases the coin’s value, making it a valuable piece for collectors interested in double-die errors.
1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel
The 1914/3 Overdate Buffalo Nickel is an example of an overdate error where remnants of a “3” are visible under the “4” in the date. This rare misprint resulted from the reusing of a 1913 die to mint 1914 nickels.
It’s a fascinating example of early minting errors and is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and unique historical value.
| Coin Year | Error Type | Error Location | Estimated Value (Mint Condition) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926-D | Weak Strike | Obverse | $1,000 – $5,000 | Weak detail 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 lettering |
| 1914/3 | Overdate | Date Area | $6,000 – $20,000 | Visible “3” under “4” |
These fascinating Buffalo Nickel errors not only represent unique moments in minting history but also offer collectors the chance to own valuable pieces of Americana.
FAQs
The rarity and uniqueness of the errors, combined with the coin’s historical significance, make these error coins valuable to collectors.
Examine the coin closely under magnification, especially the date and design details. Doubling, overdates, or missing features are key indicators.
Selling through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms specialized in collectibles can yield the best value.
Not all are equally valuable; the condition, rarity of the error, and coin grade determine their market worth.
While rare, some error Buffalo Nickels may still be found in coin collections or antique shops, though finding one in loose change today is unlikely.
