Coins are not just money—they are history in your hand. And one coin that has caught the eye of collectors worldwide is the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel. You might be surprised to know that this small 5-cent coin has sold for as much as $99,875 in auctions! But what makes it so valuable? Let’s break it down in simple terms—its design, the story behind it, how rare it really is, and why collectors are willing to pay big money for it.
A Quick Look at the Buffalo Nickel Series
The Buffalo Nickel (also known as the Indian Head Nickel) was minted from 1913 to 1938 by the United States Mint. It featured a Native American on the front and an American bison (buffalo) on the back. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser, who aimed to reflect a true American identity.
The coin was introduced in 1913 and was initially struck in two varieties that year—Type 1 and Type 2. The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is a Type 2 coin, and the “D” stands for the Denver Mint, where it was produced.
What Makes the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel So Special?
1. Low Mintage Number
Only 4,156,000 of the 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickels were made. That may sound like a lot, but in the world of coin collecting, this is a low number, especially for coins over 100 years old. Many of these coins were lost, worn out, or melted over time, so very few are left in good condition.
2. Unique Design Shift
In 1913, the U.S. Mint made a change to the coin’s reverse design. The first version (Type 1) had the buffalo standing on a raised mound. But this design wore out quickly in circulation, so it was replaced by Type 2, where the buffalo stands on a flat line. The 1913-D Type 2 was part of this transition, making it one of the first coins with the revised back design.
3. Collector Demand
Collectors love coins that are part of a series and are hard to find. The 1913-D Type 2 fits perfectly into full Buffalo Nickel sets. It’s a key date, which means anyone building a complete collection must have it. That’s why demand—and price—goes up.
Record Sale: $99,875 for a Nickel!
In 2020, a high-grade 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 was sold for $99,875. What made it fetch that kind of price?
- Condition: It was in Mint State (MS66 grade), which is extremely rare.
- Rarity: Fewer coins in top condition survive each year.
- Certified Grading: Coins that are officially graded by agencies like PCGS or NGC are more trusted and fetch higher prices.
So yes, a coin that originally cost 5 cents once sold for nearly one lakh US dollars!
How to Know If You Have One?
Check the reverse (back) of your Buffalo Nickel. Underneath the “Five Cents” label, there should be a small “D” mintmark if it’s from Denver. Also, ensure the buffalo is standing on a straight line—that means it’s Type 2.
If you’re lucky enough to find a 1913-D Type 2 coin in good condition, don’t spend it! Get it checked by a professional coin grading company. Even if it’s not worth $99,000, you could still get a few hundred or thousand dollars based on its grade.
Why Coin Collectors Love the Buffalo Nickel Series
There’s something deeply American about the Buffalo Nickel. The bold Native American portrait, the iconic buffalo, and the rustic finish make it a favorite among collectors. It’s not just about money—it’s about owning a piece of history.
Buffalo Nickels also bring a bit of a “treasure hunt” feel, especially when you’re looking for rare dates like the 1913-D Type 2 or the 1916 Doubled Die. Every old coin jar, flea market, or coin show becomes exciting when you know what to look for.
Final Thoughts
The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel isn’t just a coin—it’s a story, a piece of art, and a rare find that’s turned into a treasure. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who stumbled upon a nickel in an old drawer, this coin proves that sometimes, the smallest things can hold the biggest value.
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