There is none other coin as widely known and sought after as the Nickels from Buffalo. They were minted between 1913 and 1938 and hence can fetch a great price amongst collectors today. While a majority of these coins are typical, several of them have evidently imperfect styles of minting that give them a lot more value. The real types have a high popularity among those who prefer various snacks. Some are now bringing hundreds or even thousands of dollars of auction sales. Buffalo nickel mistakes: here are five that any coin collector should know because they could be holding precious few in their hand.
1. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A die polishing mishap at the Denver mint led to the respiting of the front leg of the buffalo on the three-legged kind of the 1937-D. All that was visible now on the above ground were a considerable number of buffalo with three legs. Due to this misunderstanding, the coin has gained a lot of recognition among the collectors.
However, like most of the coins, the price of the one-dollar coin depends on its condition; it costs between 500 and 1950 US dollars. Pieces that have not been circulated may cost $110,000.
The rear side of the coin is every bit as entertaining as the front: the front leg of the buffalo that is not present in the original picture is nowhere to be found. This is an identification clue. This way you can verify the date and the mint mark; in this case, it is a “D” for Denver.
2. 1918/7-D Overdate Error
Another 8-mark variety that makes Buffalo nickel one of the most valuable coins with a rare flaw is the 1918/7-D. A once occurring in the Denver Mint meant a ‘7’ was stamped behind the ‘8’ where the date is found. It was impressed in such a manner that one might easily notice that there is likeness between the two figures. It is estimated to be circa.
Value: While circulation samples typically cost as little as US$ 1300, coins sold in uncirculated mint conditions may sell for more than US$ 35000 in the market.
Its two-part design, with the digits of the value symbol on the front obverse and the reverse side merged together, would hardly click in one’s mind when seen through the naked eye without a magnifying lens, and the letter “7” on the reverse shade would be attached behind the “8” shape. This one is helpful in identification.
3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
In the doubled die obverse, the result of the die used to strike the particular coin was struck twice during minting. This leads to issues such as perceiving design features on a larger scale than they really are in real life. In this case, an inaccuracy may more specifically be noted on the heads side of the 1916 Buffalo nickel as regards the characters and date.
This coin is one of the great rarities of American numismatics, with even the most lightly circulated examples bringing $5,000, while the better or finer mint state examples can command $50,000+ each.
An excellent, obvious indication is the inscribed date and other characters on the head side to look for signs of doubling. If you are not quite sure whether or not there is an error, you should take it to a professional coiner grader to check for it.
4. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
While the twofold die error happened in 1916, the 1935 Buffalo nickel does have the die doubling error, however, on the reverse side. The highest level of lettering doubling is highly detected in the “FIVE CENTS” lettering, which is located in the base of the coin.
Value: The cost of this error is $75–$500 for each, depending on the condition of the buyer’s coin. However, there are some special cases where the price goes up to $5,000.
The next step is to look again with a hand lens at the words “FIVE CENTS” on the back part of the coin. Perhaps you will be able to find out whether there is repetition or stretching of the averments in the statements.
5. 1914/3 Overdate Error
It, therefore, became a fact that a die from 1913 was used in the minting of nickels during 1914 as well to give us the 1914/3 over date error. In turn, it has only a weak and rather remote “3” in the form of a fancy bracket to emerge underneath the claw-like “4” date. This too is one mistake highly collected.
They are worth anything from $390 to $390 if the coins are in mint condition; the coins at higher grades are worth much more money.
An informative identifying characteristic is to look closely at the date using a magnifying glass, and you will see the shape of the “3” that is present under the “4”. However, it stands out if the overdate are clearly distinguishable From this, it will be clear that the more clearly the overdate is defined, the worthier the coin is considered.
Uncover a $500,000 Treasure: Tips for Finding Valuable Dimes
Rare and Valuable Bicentennial Quarters: The Top 5 Most Sought-After Coins
FAQs:
Which of the Buffalo nickel errors are worth more?
Some of them include 1937 dated “Three-legged Buffalo,” 1916 – Doubled Die Obverse, Off-Center strikes, Repunched Mintmark or RPM, and 1921 – S Weak Strike.
Buffalo nickel mistake coins—why are they so valuable?
For an error coin collector, rare and peculiar error coins are preferred.
You can tell it is a “Three-Legged Buffalo” nickel.
This was as a result of an overpolished die during minting of the Three-Legged Buffalo nickel, which was missing the bison’s front leg.
Where can I locate Buffalo nickel mistakes for my collection?
Errors in the buffalo nickel are found in coin collection, estate, auction, and with some recognized dealers.
What should I do if I find a Buffalo Nickel error that I consider important and would like to present it to someone?
You then need to use the services of PCGS or NGC to have the coin authenticated and have its grade determined.