Buffalo nickels, also known as Indian Head nickels, are some of the most iconic and collectible coins in American numismatic history. Minted from 1913 to 1938, these coins feature a Native American profile on the obverse and a majestic American bison on the reverse. For collectors, Buffalo nickels offer a fascinating glimpse into American culture and history. Here are the top 10 Buffalo nickels you need to add to your collection.
1. 1913 Type 1
The 1913 Buffalo nickel is notable for its design changes during the year. The Type 1 version features a bison standing on a raised mound. This version was minted for only a few months before the design was altered, making it a prized addition for collectors.
2. 1913 Type 2
The Type 2 version of the 1913 Buffalo nickel features a modified reverse design, with the bison standing on a flat ground rather than a mound. This change was made to address issues with the coin’s wearability. Collecting both types from this year is essential to understand the evolution of the design.
3. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
One of the most sought-after errors in the Buffalo nickel series is the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse. This coin exhibits a noticeable doubling of the date and the Native American profile. It’s a rare and valuable piece that any serious collector would cherish.
4. 1918/7-D Overdate
The 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel is another famous error coin, where the 7 in the date was overpunched with an 8. This error is prominent and can be seen without magnification, making it a fascinating and valuable addition to any collection.
5. 1921-S
The 1921-S Buffalo nickel is one of the lower-mintage coins in the series, with only 1,557,000 minted. Its rarity and the fact that it was struck during a period of economic hardship in the United States make it a desirable coin for collectors.
6. 1924-S
The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is another key date coin with a low mintage of just 1,437,000. Finding this coin in high grade is particularly challenging, which adds to its appeal and value among collectors.
7. 1926-S
The 1926-S Buffalo nickel is considered one of the rarest in the series, especially in higher grades. With a mintage of only 970,000, this coin is highly sought after by collectors striving to complete their sets.
8. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo
Perhaps the most famous Buffalo nickel error, the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo, resulted from excessive die polishing that removed one of the bison’s legs. This error is highly recognizable and one of the most coveted by collectors.
9. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo nickel features noticeable doubling on the reverse, particularly in the legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FIVE CENTS.” This error adds intrigue and value to the coin, making it a must-have for error collectors.
10. 1938-D
The 1938-D Buffalo nickel is the final year of the series, minted only at the Denver Mint. With a mintage of 7,020,000, it’s relatively more accessible but still significant as the end of the Buffalo nickel era. Collectors often seek this coin to complete their collections.
Conclusion
Buffalo nickels are a fascinating series that offers a wealth of history, design changes, and rare errors for collectors to explore. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, these top 10 Buffalo nickels provide a comprehensive starting point for building a valuable and interesting collection. Each coin tells a unique story and contributes to the rich tapestry of American numismatics. Happy collecting!