Rare 1913 Buffalo Nickel Value Hits $27,500 | Price Breakdown

Did you recently find a 1913 buffalo nickel?

Have you come across a 1913 Buffalo Nickel recently, or perhaps inherited a few from a family member? If so, you’re probably curious about how much these coins are worth today.

Let’s explore that question together. In this guide, we’ll take a close look at the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, including its features, design, value, and history.

1913 Buffalo Nickel Details

• Coin Name: Buffalo Five Cents
• Total Mintage: 73,656,186
• Mint Locations: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
• Diameter: 21.2 mm
• Weight: 5 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Face Value: $0.05
• Metal Content: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Designer: James Earle Fraser

The Obverse Design Of The 1913 Buffalo Nickel

The front of the coin shows a portrait of a Native American facing right. This artwork, created by James Earle Fraser, led people to also call this coin the “Indian Head Nickel.”

The man’s hair is tied into a braid, with two feathers included. Near his forehead, the word “LIBERTY” is written. The date “1913” is engraved near his neck.

Fraser didn’t base this on just one person—instead, he used the features of three Native American chiefs to create a combined, respectful image. Before this, coin designers often used white models and just added Native headdresses. Fraser’s work was one of the first truly authentic Native American designs on U.S. coins.

Fraser was also the artist behind the famous “End of the Trail” sculpture.

The Reverse Design Of The 1913 Buffalo Nickel

The back of the coin features an American bison (often called a buffalo), standing on a patch of land. Just below this ground is the inscription “FIVE CENTS.” Along the coin’s edge, you’ll find “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which means “Out of many, one.”

1913 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart

Type	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1913 Type I (No Mint Mark)	$7.37	$10	$16	$25
1913 Type I “D”	$11	$16	$24	$42
1913 Type I “S”	$29	$38	$51	$83
1913 Type II (No Mint Mark)	$6.93	$14	$15	$24
1913 Type II “D”	$58	$80	$104	$217
1913 Type II “S”	$128	$192	$324	$527

1913 Buffalo Nickel Value And Varieties Guide

In 1913, two different versions of the Buffalo Nickel were made—Type I and Type II. Type I coins were first issued in March 1913. However, the raised “FIVE CENTS” on a mound wore down too quickly, which led to changes in the design.

Type II coins featured a flatter base and recessed lettering, making them more durable. Both types were produced in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

1913 Type I No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel (Philadelphia)

• Mintage: 30,992,000
• Value: $5 – $37.50 (up to $27,500 for rare mint condition coins)

These coins are common and affordable in most grades.

1913 Type II No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel (Philadelphia)

• Mintage: 29,857,186
• Value: $5 – $37.50 (rare ones can reach $8,750)

Also fairly easy to find, but some rare coins fetch high prices.

1913 Type I “S” Buffalo Nickel (San Francisco)

• Mintage: 2,105,000
• Value: $29 – $125 (up to $15,000 in top condition)

The “S” mint mark is under the words “FIVE CENTS.” These coins are harder to find and highly collectible.

1913 Type II “S” Buffalo Nickel (San Francisco)

• Mintage: 1,209,000
• Value: $128 – $825 (up to $40,000 for top-quality coins)

These are rarer than the Type I versions and more valuable, especially in mint condition.

1913 Type I “D” Buffalo Nickel (Denver)

• Mintage: 5,337,000
• Value: $8 – $67 (rare ones worth up to $30,000)

This version has a “D” mint mark beneath the “FIVE CENTS.” Still popular due to being part of the first design batch.

1913 Type II “D” Buffalo Nickel (Denver)

• Mintage: 4,156,000
• Value: $58 – $275 (up to $35,000 for pristine examples)

Less common and more valuable than Type I. The “D” mark is in the same place.

1913 Buffalo Nickel History

The Buffalo Nickel replaced the Liberty Head Nickel, which was minted from 1883 to 1912. Starting in 1907, there was a push to redesign American coins. Although many expected Charles Barber to design the next nickel, it was James Earle Fraser who was chosen by Abram Andrew, the then-mint director.

1913 Buffalo Nickel Grading

Coins are graded by their condition: Good, Fine, Extremely Fine, or Uncirculated. Grading is best done by experts such as NGC or PCGS for accurate results.

List Of 1913 Buffalo Nickel Errors

1913 Buffalo Nickel with 3 ½ Legs

This error shows a buffalo with only 3.5 legs—caused by over-polishing the coin die. It’s rare and valuable. One sold for over $47,000.

1913 Buffalo Nickel Struck on a Dime Planchet

This mistake happens when the coin is stamped on a 10-cent blank. The result is a smaller coin that misses key details like “LIBERTY.” Such a coin can fetch over $46,000.

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