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How to Find the Grade of a Buffalo Nickel From 1917

The buffalo nickel is also known as the Indian head nickel, for the Native American on profile on the obverse. This coin that the U.S. Mint first struck in 1913 was designed by James E. Fraser and the bison on the reverse was allegedly modeled after one at the New York Central Park Zoo named Black Diamond. The coin was minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco until 1938. Values for all years of the coin's issue (including 1917) depend on the grade, which is determined by the amount of wear the coin has.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Grade the coin as choice uncirculated (MS-63) only if the coin has no wear and light blemishes. If the coin has no wear and several blemishes it would grade as uncirculated (MS-60).
- 2
  Give the buffalo nickel a grade of about uncirculated (AU-50) is it has some light wear on the raised portions of the design (mainly the bison and Indian). The coin must also still have some of its original luster present.
- 3
  Examine the horn of the bison and the hair ribbon of the Indian. If either features some wear the coin should be graded no higher than extremely fine (EF-40).
- 4
  Check the cheekbone of the Indian. If there is wear here the coin would grade no higher than very fine (VF-20).
- 5
  Select a grade of fine (F-12) if the horn is largely worn, but still quite visible. If the horn is hard to see the coin should receive a grade of very good (VG-8).
- 6
  Score the coin as only a grade of good (G-4) if the horn cannot be seen, but the date "1917" is still readable. If the date cannot be read the coin would grade as about good (AG-3).

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