The Buffalo Nickel is one of those American coins that people tend to recognize right away. First issued in 1913, it features a Native American portrait on the front and an American bison on the reverse. The design was only used until 1938, but it left a lasting impression on collectors.

Millions of Buffalo Nickels were made during those years, so finding one doesn’t automatically mean you’ve struck it rich. Still, certain dates, mint marks, condition rarities, and minting errors can make a Buffalo Nickel worth far more than five cents.

If you have a jar of old coins, an inherited collection, or a box of loose change tucked away somewhere, these are some of the Buffalo Nickels worth checking closely.

1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse is one of the more interesting varieties in the series. Parts of the lettering and other reverse details show evidence of doubling, giving the coin a look that stands out from a standard 1935 Buffalo Nickel.

Examples with clear doubling and strong overall condition are the ones collectors tend to pay the most attention to. As with other error coins, authentication matters before placing a high value on one.

1931-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1931-S was produced in San Francisco during the Great Depression and had a relatively low mintage compared with many other Buffalo Nickels.

The bigger challenge is finding one that still has plenty of detail. Buffalo Nickels were heavily used, and the design’s high points wore down quickly. A 1931-S with strong details and little wear can be much more desirable than a heavily circulated example.

1936-D 3½ Legs Buffalo Nickel

The 1936-D 3½ Legs variety gets its unusual name from the buffalo on the reverse. Excessive polishing of the die removed part of one of the animal’s front legs, leaving the coin with the distinctive appearance that collectors now recognize.

It’s an easy variety to notice once you know what you’re looking for. Examples with clearer details and better condition tend to draw more interest from collectors.

1919-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1919-S is another Buffalo Nickel where condition makes a big difference. Many of these coins spent years moving through everyday commerce, and finding one with strong details can be difficult.

Collectors pay close attention to the date, mint mark, and amount of detail remaining on the buffalo. A well-preserved 1919-S can be considerably more desirable than the worn examples that are much easier to find.

1924-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1924-D isn’t especially hard to find in heavily worn condition, but locating a well-preserved example is a different story.

Many Buffalo Nickels from this period suffered from weak strikes and years of circulation. A 1924-D with a clearly readable date, good reverse detail, and limited wear can attract much more attention from collectors.

1917-D Buffalo Nickel

The Denver Mint produced the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel, and worn examples can still turn up in older collections. Finding one in genuinely high grade is much harder.

Coins with strong design details, attractive surfaces, and little evidence of circulation are the ones that stand out. Original luster can also add to the appeal for serious collectors.

1925-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1925-D is well known among Buffalo Nickel collectors for its weak strikes. Many examples left the Mint with incomplete details, and years of circulation only made the problem more noticeable.

A 1925-D with a sharp date and unusually clear design details can be worth considerably more than a typical worn example. Condition is a major factor with this date.

1926-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-D is one of the Buffalo Nickel dates collectors pay close attention to, particularly in higher grades.

The coin’s low survival rate in good condition is part of the reason. Many examples were heavily circulated, and weak strikes make sharply defined pieces even harder to find. A 1926-D with strong details can command a much higher price than an average example.

1938 D/S Over Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel

This variety has a fascinating mint-mark story. A Denver mint mark was placed over an earlier San Francisco mint mark, leaving traces of the original “S” underneath the “D.”

The overlapping letters can be seen with the right magnification, making this a fun variety for collectors who enjoy examining coins for small differences. Authentication can help confirm that the markings are actually part of the minting process rather than post-mint damage.

1923-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1923-S was produced at the San Francisco Mint in relatively modest numbers, and many of the surviving coins show plenty of wear.

That makes condition especially important. A coin with a readable date, strong lettering, and good detail on the buffalo can stand out from the much more common worn examples.

1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

Few Buffalo Nickel varieties are as famous as the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel. Heavy polishing of the reverse die removed much of one of the buffalo’s front legs, creating the appearance that the animal has only three legs.

The variety became a favorite among collectors because the error is relatively easy to recognize once you’ve seen a genuine example. Since counterfeits and altered coins exist, a valuable specimen should be examined by a reputable coin expert or grading service.

1924-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1924-S is another San Francisco issue that can be tough to find in excellent condition. Most surviving pieces show noticeable wear, particularly on the date and the buffalo’s high points.

A sharply struck 1924-S with plenty of original detail is much more interesting to collectors. As with many Buffalo Nickels, the difference between an ordinary circulated coin and a high-grade example can be substantial.

Before assuming an old Buffalo Nickel is worth thousands, check the date and mint mark first, then look closely at its condition and any unusual features. A professional appraisal or authentication can help if the coin appears to be one of the scarcer varieties.