9 Rare Buffalo Nickel Error Coins That Could Be Worth a Fortune

Introduction

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938 and remains one of the most popular coins among collectors. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin features an iconic Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison (buffalo) on the reverse.

Over the years, several error coins have been discovered, with some being incredibly rare and valuable. These Buffalo Nickel errors can be worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.

In this article, we will explore nine rare Buffalo Nickel error coins that have sold for big money, along with details on how to identify them, their estimated value, and what makes them special.

Table of 9 Rare Buffalo Nickel Error Coins

Error Coin	Year	Estimated Value	Description
1916 Doubled Die Obverse	1916	$3,000 – $80,000+	Features a noticeable doubling on the date and profile of the Native American.
1918/7-D Overdate	1918	$15,000 – $350,000+	A 1917 date was mistakenly re-punched with an 8, making a rare overdate error.
1935 Doubled Die Reverse	1935	$500 – $40,000+	Doubling visible on the buffalo’s legs, tail, and lettering.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo	1937	$3,000 – $150,000+	A minting error removed one of the buffalo’s legs, making it appear as though it has only three.
1914/3 Overdate	1914	$5,000 – $150,000+	A rare overdate with traces of a 3 visible under the 4.
1921-S Weak Strike	1921	$1,500 – $50,000+	Poorly struck, resulting in weak details on both the Native American and buffalo.
1936-D 3½ Leg Buffalo	1936	$1,000 – $40,000+	The front leg is partially missing due to a die polishing mistake.
1913 Type 1 and Type 2 Overlap	1913	$2,000 – $75,000+	A transition error between Type 1 and Type 2 nickels.
Off-Center Strikes (Various Years)	Various	$500 – $25,000+	Misaligned strikes causing the design to be off-center.

Detailed Look at 9 Rare Buffalo Nickel Errors

1. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse

The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most famous Buffalo Nickel errors. It features a clear doubling on the Native American’s face and date. This coin is extremely valuable, especially in high grades, and can fetch up to $80,000+ at auctions.

2. 1918/7-D Overdate

This is a classic overdate error, where a 1917 die was re-punched with an 8. The remnants of the 7 are still visible under the 8. Some high-grade versions have sold for over $350,000.

3. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse

This doubling error affects the buffalo’s legs, tail, and the lettering on the reverse. While less dramatic than the 1916 Doubled Die, a well-preserved example can sell for up to $40,000.

4. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo

One of the most famous Buffalo Nickel errors, the 3-legged buffalo resulted from over-polishing of the dies at the Denver Mint. High-grade examples can fetch over $150,000.

5. 1914/3 Overdate

This rare overdate error was caused when a 1913 die was over-punched with a 1914 date. These coins are extremely rare and can be worth up to $150,000 in pristine condition.

6. 1921-S Weak Strike

The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is notorious for its weak strike due to excessive die wear. High-grade specimens can command up to $50,000.

7. 1936-D 3½ Leg Buffalo

This error resulted from excessive die polishing, which caused the front leg to partially disappear. Depending on condition, it can be worth $40,000+.

8. 1913 Type 1 and Type 2 Overlap

In 1913, the Buffalo Nickel underwent a design change, creating a Type 1 (raised mound) and Type 2 (flattened ground). Some coins show a transition error, making them extremely valuable at up to $75,000.

9. Off-Center Strikes (Various Years)

Misaligned coin strikes resulted in some Buffalo Nickels being off-center by 10-50%. These are highly sought after by error coin collectors and can range from $500 to $25,000 depending on severity.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Nickel series is a goldmine for coin collectors, particularly those interested in rare errors. These nine error coins have fetched impressive amounts at auctions and continue to be highly sought after.

If you have Buffalo Nickels, it’s worth checking them carefully for errors. Even a minor error coin could be worth thousands! If you believe you own one of these rare coins, consider getting it professionally graded by agencies such as PCGS or NGC to determine its authenticity and value.

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