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If you're like many collectors, you're curious about the value of your bison nickel collection. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel, with a bison on the reverse, is a highly sought-after coin that can sell for thousands of dollars.
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is extremely rare, with only five coins known to exist. This rarity contributes to its high value.
As a collector, you might be wondering if you have one of these rare coins. To determine the value of your collection, you'll need to examine your coins carefully and consider factors like condition, rarity, and demand.
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Value and Pricing
The bison nickel is a valuable coin, and its price can vary depending on its condition and rarity. The coin's value can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
In 1913, only five bison nickels were minted, making them extremely rare and valuable. These coins are worth thousands of dollars.
The bison nickel's value is also influenced by its condition. Coins that are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, are worth more than those that are worn down.
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Condition and Grading
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A circulated coin is one that's been worn from being in circulation, while an uncirculated coin looks brand new and hasn't been handled much.
If your Buffalo nickel is circulated, it's likely to be highly worn out and not a great addition to your collection. You can spot circulated coins by their worn-out appearance.
A key sign of an uncirculated Buffalo nickel is a clear, distinct date on the coin. Also, examine the Indian's cheek, braided hair, and top for signs of dulling or loss of luster.
Take a look at this: What Does an Uncirculated Coin Mean
Partial Date Values
Partial date values can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to handle them with care. Never use chemicals on a nickel's surface to restore partial dates.
A partial-date buffalo nickel can be worth more than a dateless or damaged nickel. Depending on which digits are missing, a partial-date buffalo nickel can be worth anywhere from $0.50 to about 20 percent of market value.
If the part showing is the first two or three digits, a partial-date buffalo nickel is only worth $0.50.
Condition
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A coin's condition is crucial in determining its value and authenticity.
Circulated coins are worn and look similar to the one illustrated in the article.
Uncirculated coins, on the other hand, have no evidence of wear and look similar to the high-resolution photo of an uncirculated Buffalo Nickel in the article.
Poorly struck coins, especially those with a D or S mint mark, are common and may show indistinctiveness on both the obverse and reverse.
A clear, distinct date is the first sign of an uncirculated specimen.
Examine the Indian's cheek, the braided portion of the hair, and the top of the coin for signs of dulling, as high-grade nickels will show original luster and frost on these high spots.
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Coin Features
The Buffalo nickel has some distinctive features that can be useful to know.
The obverse, or front side, of the coin features a Latin script with the word LIBERTY above a standing American bison facing left.
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The engravings on the obverse were done by James Earle Fraser, and the country name is written above the bison, while the denomination is below.
The denomination is FIVE CENTS, and the phrase UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is written in a way that translates to "Out of Many, One".
The reverse of the coin features a bison standing on a mound, with the country name and motto at the top, and the denomination at the bottom.
The denomination is cradled on a mound, but the Mint later redesigned the coins to flatten the mound into a straight line, resulting in Type II Buffalo nickels.
Key Dates, Rarities & Varieties
When collecting Buffalo nickels, it's essential to know which ones are worth more than others. The 1913-S Type 2 is one such example, making it a highly valuable coin among collectors.
The 1916/16 doubled die variety is another rarity that can be worth a pretty penny. This type of error occurs when the die is struck twice, resulting in a doubled image.
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The 1918-D 8 over 7 doubled die variety is yet another example of a valuable Buffalo nickel. This error is caused by a mistake in the die-making process.
The 1921-S, 1924-S, and 1926-S are also worth more than common Buffalo nickels. These coins are relatively rare and can be valuable to collectors.
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo is a particularly interesting variety, featuring a buffalo with only three legs. This error is likely due to a mistake in the die-making process.
Here are some of the most valuable Buffalo nickels to look out for:
- 1913-S Type 2
- 1916/16 (doubled die variety)
- 1918-D 8 over 7 (doubled die variety)
- 1921-S
- 1924-S
- 1926-S
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
Features of the
The Buffalo nickel is a unique coin with some fascinating features. It's made of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel, giving it a distinctive composition.
These coins are relatively heavy, weighing 5 grams and measuring 21.20 millimeters in diameter. They also have a plain edge.
The Buffalo nickel has a notable design on both sides. On the obverse, or heads side, you'll find a depiction of a right-facing Indian, with the word LIBERTY at the top and the date on the lower left. The sculptor, James Fraser, studied three models when designing this iconic image.
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The reverse of the Buffalo nickel features a bison, also known as a buffalo, standing on a mound. However, the positioning of the mound caused the FIVE CENT lettering to wear out too fast, leading to a redesign.
Here are some key features of the Buffalo nickel:
Sources
- https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/buffalo-nickel-values-3860294
- https://www.jdsauctions.com/03/history-of-the-buffalo-nickel-which-dates-are-most-valuable/
- https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/no-date-buffalo-nickel-768849
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-buffalo-nickel-worth/
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1109.html
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