Nickels from Buffalo, made from 1913 to 1938, bring a great price amongst collectors due to its easily recognizable design and great history. Although the majority of these coins are normal, several have unmistakable flaws in their minting that greatly add value to them. These rare varieties have seen a huge surge in demand. Some are now bringing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in auction sales. Here are five famous Buffalo nickel faults, with which any coin collector should be familiar, because they might be holding a treasure without knowing it.
Read more :- Discover the Rare $20K Bicentennial Quarter and 5 More Coins Over $2,000 in Value
5 Errors on Buffalo Nickels Worth Thousands
1. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Due to an accident during the die polishing process at the Denver Mint, a part of the front leg of the buffalo of the three-legged variety of the 1937-D was mistakenly struck. The buffalo was now left with a considerable number of three legs seen above the ground. On account of this misunderstanding, the coin has become of immense repute among collectors.
- The coin’s value may depend on its condition, and it can range within $500 to $1,950. Uncirculated versions may reach up to $110,000.
- After checking out the back side of the coin, you will find that the missing front leg of the buffalo is nowhere to be seen. This is an identification clue. Based on checking the date and the mint mark “D” for Denver, you can establish the authenticity of the coin.
2. 1918/7-D Overdate Error
Among the rarest and most valuable flaws that can appear on a Buffalo nickel, the 1918/7-D overdate error stands out. A mistake made in the Denver Mint created a situation where a “7” stamped behind the “8” in the date. It was stamped in such a way that there is an obvious overlap between the two figures. It is estimated to be circa.
- Value: Though circulation samples can be sold for just around $1,300 only, coins sold in uncirculated mint conditions, fetch up to $35,000 in the market.
- To locate the overlapping “7” on the reverse side of the coin, attached behind the “8” on the front obverse, one would require a magnifying lens. It proves useful in identification.
3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
In a doubled die obverse, the error occurs when the die used to strike the coin gets struck twice in the minting process. This results in seeing design features as larger than they actually are. In this case, an inaccuracy may particularly be seen on the obverse side of the 1916 Buffalo nickel concerning characters and date.
- Even extremely worn copies of this coin can bring $5,000, and well-graded specimens $50,000-plus.
- A good identifying clue is to closely examine the date and other characters of the obverse for any sign of doubling. If you are unsure if the error is present, have a professional coin grader check for it.
4. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
Unlike the twofold die error which occurred in 1916, the 1935 Buffalo nickel does contain a doubling error but, this time on the reverse of the coin. A most prominent amount of lettering doubling is found in the “FIVE CENTS” lettering which is at the bottom of the coin.
- Value: The price of this error ranges from $75 to $500, depending on the coin purchased condition. There are some special cases where the price reaches as much as $5,000.
- Use a hand lens to examine the “FIVE CENTS” wording on the back of the coin. You might be able to determine if there is any doubling or distortion in the wording.
5. 1914/3 Overdate Error
Because a die from 1913 was utilized in the process of minting nickels during 1914, the overdate error of 1914/3 became a fact. As a result, the coin has a weak “3” come out underneath the “4” date. This too is one mistake highly collected.
- The coins have a value ranging from $390 to $390 dollars in case they are in a good condition, while those in higher grades will amount to much more money.
- An informative identifying characteristic is to closely inspect the date using a magnifying glass to see the silhouette of the “3” that is located under the “4.” The more clearly defined the overdate, the worthier the coin is considered.
How to Identify and Verify Buffalo Nickel Errors
Following these methods will enable you to check the authenticity of your Buffalo nickel and ascertain its value in case you have any reason to believe that it is one of these rare errors:
- Observe the coin closely by putting it under a magnifying lens to check for discrepancies. Date, mint mark, and even leg or letter details should be scrutinized.
- Refer to a Grading Service: Use a reputable coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), that will grade your coin and confirm any errors on the coin.
- Photographs: Go onto internet websites that have error coins confirmed by their authenticity and match your coin against those that were photographed in the event that your coin has the same characteristics as shown on the website.
- Check the Market Prices: If you do want to get a feeling of the current market prices for Buffalo nickel errors, you should check the results of recent auctions or the listings given by dealers.
| Error Type | Year | Mint Mark | Condition (Good) | Value (High-Grade) | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | D | $500-$1,950 | $110,000 | Missing front leg of the buffalo |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 1918 | D | $1,300 | $35,000 | “7” visible under the “8” |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | 1916 | – | $5,000 | $50,000 | Doubling of the date and letters |
| 1935 Doubled Die Reverse | 1935 | – | $75-$500 | $5,000 | Doubling on the reverse “FIVE CENTS” |
| 1914/3 Overdate | 1914 | – | $390 | Varies | “3” visible under the “4” |
Read more :- The one-cent coin is worth $10,000. Is it in your pocket?
Such error coins display the unique and interesting history of the Buffalo nickels, so a collector has an opportunity to include some numismatic treasure into the collection. The identification and verification of those errors can turn the mediocre collection into something priceless, if you are an experienced collector or just beginning your journey.
FAQs
What are common error types in Buffalo nickels?
Mistakes, double dies, and lettering that are missing are examples of common problems that can be found on Buffalo nickels. The “3-Legged Buffalo” and the “Buffalo on a Hill” mistakes are two examples that are particularly noteworthy. Because of their distinctive characteristics, particular nickels are extremely collectible and valuable; depending on their condition and rarity, they can occasionally be worth thousands of dollars.
How do I identify a 3-Legged Buffalo nickel?
Looking for the lack of the front left leg of the buffalo on the reverse side of the nickel is the way to determine whether or not it is a 3-Legged Buffalo nickel. When it comes to the 1937 issue, this error is typically found. Because the absence of a leg can greatly increase the value of the coin, it is important to examine it carefully under bright lighting.
What is a double die error in Buffalo nickels?
Whenever a coin is struck twice with misalignment, a double die mistake develops. This error causes the design to appear to be twice as large as it actually is. There is a possibility that this will result in doubled lettering or features on Buffalo nickels. As a result of the great value that collectors place on these faults, looking for double dies can result in significant discoveries.
How can I determine the value of a Buffalo nickel with errors?
There are three factors that determine the value of a Buffalo nickel with errors: its rarity, its demand, and its condition. Conduct research on the prices listed at recent auctions and examine trustworthy coin guides. Assessments are another service that can be provided by professional grading teams. Prices are typically greater for errors that are in excellent shape or those that date back to significant dates.
