A 1915 Buffalo Nickel that used to be plain has just stirred a lot of trouble among coin collectors. A 1915 nickel in bad shape can be bought for around $3, but a 1915 Denver (‘D’) and San Francisco (‘S’) nickel is said to be scarce and preferable, says CoinStudy.
But an example from 1915 has come up for sale at Stack’s Bowers. Over $4,000 in bids have already been received, and there is potential for more since the auction remains open.
Design and significance
Buffalo Nickel, otherwise referred to as the Indian Head Nickel, was designed by James Earle Fraser in 1912 and came into production for the first time in 1913. The coin was produced until 1938. The characteristics include a composite portrait of an American Native chief on the front or obverse and an American bison on a mound on the back or reverse. The coin commemorates America’s colorful past and native American wildlife and heritage.
Mintage and rarity
Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 20,987,270 Buffalo Nickels during 1915, and Denver and San Francisco Mints, 7,569,000 and 1,505,000, respectively.
Denver and San Francisco Mints’ lower mintage values render the coin rarer and more expensive, especially higher grades.
Value affecting factors
The following are those that can make a 1915 Buffalo Nickel a valuable one:
They are:
- Mint mark: Denver (‘D’) and San Francisco (‘S’) minted coins are more valuable because they have smaller mintage figures.
- Condition: Uncirculated or mint state coins are more valuable. For instance, a PCGS graded MS-66 1915-D Buffalo Nickel was auctioned by Stack’s Bowers in August of 2024.
- Proof versions: Proof nickels, minted specifically for collectors and having a more highly polished finish, are rare and very costly. Stack’s Bowers sold an August 2024 1915 Buffalo Nickel graded Proof-66.
- Unique traits: Low-mintage, high-grade, defect-struck, or deep-toned coins can bring a tremendous premium. For example, a good-graded 1915 “Buffalo” nickel sold at auction for over $240,000 due to its low mintage and high grade.
Recent trends in the market
Demand for rare coins has increased lately in the numismatic market, and collectors have been shelling out outrageous prices for quality coins. The 1915 Buffalo Nickel auctioning on Stack’s Bowers is no exception, with bids already above the $4,000 mark. The coin’s description includes the “peripheral iridescence of reddish orange, rosy pink, and pale blue” which renders the coin a stunning and highly desirable collector’s item.
Expert advice
If you believe that you possess a 1915 Buffalo Nickel, do the following:
- Professional grading: Have the coin professionally graded by a professional numismatist to determine its authenticity and grade.
- Certification: Have the coin professionally graded by a well-established company like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
- Market research: Research current market trends and recent auction results to put a price on your coin’s potential worth.
