The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, is one of the most famous US Coins ever minted.
The front of the coin shows the picture of a Native American chief and the reverse side shows a buffalo. The chief's portrait is said to be a composite of 3 individuals, while the buffalo is reportedly based on a famous animal named Black Diamond.
Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938, when they were replaced by the familiar Jefferson design. The 1938 issue isn't particularly valuable but it's a bit of an anomaly: preparation for the Jefferson coins wasn't completed on time so production of buffalo nickels continued during the first part of the year.
Common questions and explanations:
The "F" on the front is the monogram of James Earle Fraser, the coin's designer. The mint mark is on the back, under the words FIVE CENTS:
The coins are sometimes erroneously called "Buffalo head" nickels, but the entire buffalo is shown, not just its head.
The coin's denomination is sometimes incorrectly spelled "nickle"; however that spelling actually refers to a European songbird!
No. All US nickels except special "war nickels" made during 1942-45 are struck in the same alloy of 25% nickel and 75% copper.
There were no Buffalo nickels that contained Silver issued by the U. S. Mint.
A few buffalo nickels are somewhat rare but many others are fairly common and sell for a couple of dollars in moderately worn condition. Among normal circulation issues only the 1921-S, 1924-S, 1926-S, and 1931-S varieties stand out, and then mostly in better grades.
The only truly rare buffalo nickels are all errors - a recut 1916 date, a recut 1918-D over 1917, and the famous 3-legged 1937-D coin are all worth thousands of dollars in high-grade condition.
Buffalo nickels were last minted in 1938 so the number still in circulation is vanishingly small.
Old coins do sometimes show up in change but those with a recognizably different design are almost always scooped up by someone who recognizes them. Old coins can enter circulation in various ways, including:
> Someone finds them in a drawer / closet / old box / etc. and spends them because they don't realize what they are
> A bank may find an old roll of coins on a back shelf, and simply put them in with other coins
> Thieves may spend stolen coins at face value
> A coin club may do a "coin drop", placing old coins in circulation as a way to drum up interest in the hobby.
Buffalo nickel was created in 1913.
value of a 1936 buffalo head nickel
How much is a 1820 buffalo nickel
It's not a Buffalo Head nickel, it's a Indian Head and/or a Buffalo nickel. Average value is $1.00-$3.00.
This coin is commonly called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel but not a "buffalo head nickel" - after all, it shows the whole buffalo! Please see the question "What is the value of a 1927 US nickel?" for more information.
The first Indian Head/Buffalo Nickel was minted in Philadephia in the year 1913. The coin is actually called a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel, but not "buffalo head". After all, it shows the entire buffalo, not just its head :)
There is no such thing as an 1889 Buffalo Nickel. Buffalo nickels were only minted from 1913 to 1938. A nickel minted in 1889 would be a Liberty Head or "V" nickel.
The coin is called an Indian Head nickel or a buffalo nickel, not "buffalo head" - after all, it shows the entire buffalo! Please see the question "What is the value of a 1936 US nickel?" for more information.
The coin is called an Indian Head nickel or a buffalo nickel, not "buffalo head" - after all, it shows the entire buffalo! Please see the question "What is the value of a 1934 US nickel?" for more information.
It's an Indian head nickel or a buffalo nickel, not "buffalo head" - the entire buffalo is shown, not just its head, LOL! See the Related Question for answers.
The coin is called an Indian head nickel or a buffalo nickel, not a "buffalo head". It shows the entire buffalo, not just its head. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1920 US nickel?" for more information.
This coin is commonly called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel (*). Please see the question "What is the value of a 1927 US nickel?" for more information. (*) But not a "buffalo head nickel" - after all, it shows the whole buffalo! Assuming the coin is circulated and has no mintmark, the 1927 Buffalo nickel is very common, average coins are $1.00-$5.00