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How to Tell if Your Buffalo Nickel Is Worth Anything

The buffalo nickel -- so named because of the bison featured on the reverse -- was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. The coin is actually 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel in composition. Some examples can fetch premium prices if they are found in good condition or if they are rare misstrikes. In general, buffalo nickels have a grade of between good and uncirculated.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the coin for wear. Examples of the buffalo nickel in which details are not visible--such as the hair lines of the Indian on the front of the coin, or the horn of the buffalo--will only grade as high as good or very good. Most nickels in these grades are only valued at a dollar or two.
- 2
  Look for the luster. If the coin still retains most of that fresh-from-the-mint shine it is considered to have good luster. A coin that has little wear and most of its original luster can grade in about uncirculated condition, which creates a bigger premium in value. A coin worth $1 in good condition could be valued at 10 times that in about uncirculated shape.
- 3
  Examine the coin for other blemishes, such as stains or contact marks. If a coin does not have any wear and has no blemishes it could grade in uncirculated condition, making many examples worth 50 times those in good condition.
- 4
  Check the dates. Some rare examples of the 1916 coin have the 6 in 1916 stamped twice and can be worth $2,000 in good condition and $65,000 in uncirculated condition. Some versions of the 1918 nickel have an 8 stamped over the 7. These can be worth $1,000 in good condition and $35,000 in uncirculated condition.

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