1926 Buffalo Nickel Value and Pricing Guide

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. The coin was minted in large quantities, with over 52 million pieces produced.

The value of a 1926 Buffalo Nickel can vary greatly depending on its condition. In good condition, the coin is worth around $0.50 to $1.

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel features a design by James Earle Fraser, who also designed the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. The coin's obverse features a right-facing profile of a Native American, while the reverse features an American bison.

The coin's value can increase significantly if it is in excellent condition, with some specimens selling for over $100.

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The condition of your 1926 Buffalo Nickel is a key factor in determining its value. Collectors pay more for coins in better condition, so it's essential to assess the coin's grade carefully.

The Sheldon Scale is used to grade Buffalo Nickels, ranging from Poor (PO 1) to Mint State (MS 70). Coins graded from 50 to 58 are often labeled as Uncirculated, but most people call them About Uncirculated (AU).

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To give you a better idea, here's a simplified grading guide:

The price of your 1926 Buffalo Nickel also depends on the type of coin it is. The chart below shows the prices for different grades of the 1926, 1926 D, and 1926 S coins.

Grading is a crucial step in determining the value of a coin, and for Buffalo Nickels, it's especially important due to their popularity and quick deterioration.

The Sheldon Scale is used to grade Buffalo Nickels, ranging from Poor (PO 1) to Mint State (MS 70).

Grading is a process that assesses the condition of a coin, and for Buffalo Nickels, even the smallest blemishes make a huge difference in the eyes of collectors.

There are different grades, including Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Fine, and Very Fine.

Uncirculated coins never spent any time being circulated and appear in excellent condition, with some of the mint's original luster preserved.

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Extremely Fine coins saw only a limited amount of time in circulation and will show only light wear.

Fine coins were circulated for a decent amount of time and will show signs of wear, particularly near the Indian's cheekbone and around the front legs of the buffalo.

Here's a breakdown of the Sheldon Scale:

Pricing a Buffalo Nickel can be a complex process, but it's essential to consider the coin's condition and type.

The condition of the coin is a significant factor in determining its value, with collectors paying more for coins in better condition.

A coin's value can range from a few dollars to over $100,000, depending on its grade and rarity.

The type of coin is also crucial, with different mint marks and conditions affecting its value.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for a 1926 Buffalo Nickel of a certain grade:

Some 1926 Buffalo Nickels, like the 1926-S, are particularly valuable due to their low mintage and rarity.

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel is a semi-key date due to problems with the coin's design, including faded details and a 3 ½ legs coin error that can sell for thousands of dollars.

These errors weren't limited to just 1926, as they also occurred on coins from 1927 and 1936, with a similar issue appearing in 1937.

The mint's attempt to fix the problem by flattening the hill at the back of the coin actually made things worse, causing more problems with the design.

Doubled-die errors, also known as hub doubling, occur when the hub strikes the die at a slightly different spot, copying the mistake to every coin made with that die.

The 1926 (P) Buffalo Nickel is an example of a coin with both doubled-die obverse and reverse errors. This rare occurrence makes the coin highly valuable.

An MS 65 graded 1926 (P) Buffalo Nickel sold for $3,120 in 2018.

A 1926-S Buffalo nickel can sell for up to $17,250 at auction if it's in exceptional condition.

The value of a 1926 Buffalo nickel is tied to its condition, with highly circulated coins going for around three dollars.

Recently, a 1926-S Buffalo nickel sold for $17,250 at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction, a truly outstanding coin that radiated quality through its soft toning and abrasion-free surfaces.

Finding a 1926 Buffalo nickel in mint condition can be a challenge, but it's worth it, as it's valued at thirty-five dollars.

In Average Circulated (AC) condition, a 1926 S Buffalo Nickel is worth around $17.00, while one in certified mint state (MS+) condition can bring as much as $7,600 at auction.

The total mintage of the 1926 Buffalo nickel was 44,693,000, making it a relatively common coin, but its value can still be significant if it's in good condition.

The 1926 buffalo nickel is a highly sought-after coin, especially in good condition. The coin's value can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on its condition and rarity.

The 1926 buffalo nickel was minted in large quantities, which makes it relatively common compared to other coins in the series. However, coins in excellent condition can still be valuable.

A key factor in determining the value of a 1926 buffalo nickel is its grade, which is determined by its condition. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is one of the most widely recognized grading services for coins.

In order to determine the value of a 1926 buffalo nickel, it's essential to have it authenticated and graded by a reputable service. This will provide a clear and accurate assessment of its condition and value.

Identifying errors in 1926 buffalo nickel identification can be a challenge, but being aware of common mistakes can help.

One of the most common errors is misdating, where the coin is thought to be a different year than it actually is. This can happen if the coin's mint mark or date is worn or unclear.

A coin's condition and grade can greatly impact its value, so it's essential to accurately assess its state.

A well-maintained 1926 buffalo nickel can be worth significantly more than one that's worn or damaged.

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel is known for its mint errors, which can greatly increase its value.

The 3 ½ leg Buffalo Nickel shows up in 1926, 1927, and 1936, and sometimes sells for up to six figures.

A 3-legged Buffalo Nickel from 1937 is another rare error.

This mint mistake happened when a mint worker tried to extend the life of an old die by polishing it to remove a flaw.

The 1926-D Buffalo Nickel 3 ½ Leg Error resulted in all nickels struck with that die being missing half a leg.

Examples of mint mistakes that can elevate the value of ordinary Buffalo Nickels include hub doubling, misalignment, and planchet clips.

An MS 66 1926-D Buffalo Nickel 3 ½ Leg Error sold for $9,400 in 2015, while an AG 3 is worth $85.

The 2 Feathers Error is a fascinating mistake that can make your Buffalo Nickel collection stand out. This error occurs on the 1926-D Buffalo Nickel, where the Native American chief's hair has two feathers on top with a third one tucked underneath, but only the bottom part of the third feather is visible.

Spotting the 2 Feathers Error can be challenging, but it's a great opportunity to inspect your coins closely. On dies that were over-polished, the third feather may have disappeared, making it harder to detect.

In mint condition, this error can command a significant price, with one example selling for $545 on eBay in 2021.

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel without a mint mark is a fascinating coin. In 1926, the Philadelphia Mint produced 44,693,000 of these coins.

These coins are highly sought after, with an MS 67+ coin selling for $16,450 in 2018. Another coin in the same grade sold for $10,575 in 2020.

As of 2021, PCGS has received 17 of these coins in MS 67+ grade, and they're now valued at $10,000 each. This shows how the market value of coins can fluctuate over time.

Two higher-grade coins, MS 68, have been submitted to PCGS but haven't been sold yet. PCGS estimates their value in January 2025 to be $50,000 each.

The availability of coins in certain grades can significantly impact their pricing. For example, over 70 MS 67 and MS 66+ coins have been submitted to PCGS, which is why they're worth $2,750 and $825 respectively.