For those who admire the artistry of vintage American coinage, the 1925 Buffalo Nickel stands out as a true classic. With its iconic design and connection to early 20th-century American history, this coin is a must-have for any serious collector.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just getting started, understanding the 1925 Buffalo nickel’s value is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from historical background and design features to current market prices.
1925 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 (No Mint Mark) | $5 | $10 | $25 | Up to $21,000 |
| 1925-D | $22 | $65 | $200 | Up to $37,500 |
| 1925-S | $18 | $55 | $235 | Up to $150,000 |
Quick Tip:
The mint mark location is found just below the “FIVE CENTS” on the coin’s reverse. No mint mark means it was struck in Philadelphia, while “D” stands for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco.
1925 Buffalo Nickel Grading Guide
Grading is essential when determining the value and authenticity of a 1925 Buffalo Nickel. The coin’s condition significantly influences its grade, which ranges from Basal State to Mint State (MS).
Why Grading Matters
Professional services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) use a standardized grading scale based on:
- Wear
- Strike quality
- Surface preservation
- Luster
- Eye appeal
Understanding this grading system is crucial for collectors who want to accurately estimate their coin’s value or buy/sell confidently on the market.
Grading Scale Overview
| Grade Number | Grade Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4–6 | Good |
| 7–10 | Very Good |
| 12–15 | Fine |
| 20–30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated (AU) |
| 60 | Mint State (MS 60) |
| 65 | Gem Mint State (MS 65) |
| 70 | Perfect Mint State (MS 70) |
1925 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value
The 1925 Buffalo Nickel, often referred to as the Indian Head Nickel, is a standout coin that continues to attract interest from collectors due to its striking design and historical significance.
Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin first entered circulation in 1913 and remained in production until 1938. The version minted in 1925 without a mint mark was produced in Philadelphia, with a total mintage of 35,565,100 pieces.
On the obverse, the coin displays the profile of a Native American figure, a composite portrait inspired by multiple individuals from different tribes, including Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux, Two Moons of the Cheyenne, and John Big Tree of the Seneca. This design pays homage to Native American heritage, capturing strength and dignity.
The reverse features a detailed rendering of an American bison, believed to have been modeled after Black Diamond, a bison that lived in Central Park Zoo in New York. The powerful stance of the animal represents the American frontier spirit.
Fraser, a former student of the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, infused the coin with deep artistic detail—making it one of the most visually impactful pieces of early 20th-century U.S. coinage. While not initially embraced by the public due to its “busy” appearance and wear-prone details, the coin eventually became a beloved icon in U.S. numismatics.
The 1925 Buffalo Nickel was minted during a time of major social and political change. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, were marked by rapid growth and cultural shifts. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, which granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans, was a significant milestone during this era, adding deeper meaning to the coin’s imagery.
Made from a cupronickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel), the coin weighs 5 grams and has a diameter of 21.2 mm. Despite its high mintage, examples in excellent condition are scarce and valuable.
Here’s a breakdown of current estimated values:
- Good condition: Around $5
- Fine condition: Around $10
- Extremely Fine: Around $25
- Uncirculated (MS grades): Can reach up to $21,000 for top-condition specimens
The 1925 no mint mark Buffalo Nickel is a favorite among collectors, not only for its beauty and craftsmanship but also for the rich cultural context it represents.
1925 “D” Buffalo Nickel Value
The 1925-D Buffalo Nickel, minted in Denver, is a highly desirable coin among collectors due to its limited production and strong historical ties. Carrying the “D” mint mark beneath the denomination on the reverse, this piece not only reflects exceptional design but also embodies the spirit of early 20th-century America.
Just like other coins in the Buffalo (Indian Head) Nickel series, this version was created by James Earle Fraser, a prominent sculptor. The obverse features a profile of a Native American warrior—a symbolic composite of several real-life tribal leaders. Meanwhile, the reverse showcases a powerful American bison, a nod to the country’s natural heritage.
It’s widely believed that the bison featured on the coin was inspired by Black Diamond, a famous animal once kept at the Central Park Zoo in New York. Fraser reportedly sketched the creature during a zoo visit, capturing its strength and presence for the final coin design.
What makes the 1925-D Buffalo Nickel particularly notable is its low mintage—only 4,450,000 coins were struck at the Denver Mint that year. This limited number significantly boosts its rarity and collectability today.
Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the coin weighs 5 grams and has a diameter of 21.2 mm—standard specifications for the series. Despite its modest appearance, well-preserved examples of this coin can command impressive prices on the market.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical values:
- Low-grade (Good or Fair): $20–$30
- Fine to Extremely Fine: $60–$200
- Mint State (MS60 and above): Can start at $1,000 and rise dramatically
- Top-tier MS66 examples: As high as $37,500 or more
One standout example graded MS66 by a top-tier grading service was sold for an astounding $57,500 at auction in 2007, proving how much collectors are willing to pay for pristine examples.
An interesting detail for enthusiasts: the placement of the “D” mint mark is on the reverse, beneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” This differs from some other coin designs of the era and adds a touch of uniqueness to the 1925-D issue.
Thanks to its beautiful design, low production numbers, and cultural significance, the 1925-D Buffalo Nickel remains a prized find for any serious numismatist.
1925 “S” Buffalo Nickel Value
Struck at the San Francisco Mint, the 1925-S Buffalo Nickel holds a special place among early 20th-century U.S. coinage due to its relative scarcity, historical context, and distinctive design elements. This coin is a standout piece not just because of its age, but also because of the artistry and symbolism it carries.
Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin features a detailed portrait of a Native American on the obverse—a tribute modeled from a blend of real-life individuals representing various tribes. On the reverse is the majestic American bison, an iconic image that speaks to the American frontier spirit.
This edition of the Buffalo Nickel was produced during a transitional era in U.S. history. Just one year prior, in 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act granted citizenship to Native Americans—though it also accelerated the erosion of many indigenous traditions. This coin quietly echoes that shift, making it not only a collector’s item but a reflection of American cultural evolution.
With a total mintage of only 6,256,000, the 1925-S is far less common than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. Collectors often seek it out for its rarity, but also for the subtle differences that set it apart—such as the strike sharpness, which tends to be weaker on San Francisco issues, and details like the curvature of the bison’s horn or the coin’s overall finish.
Here’s a quick look at approximate market values based on condition:
- Fine (F12): Around $40
- Extremely Fine (XF40): Can range from $150 to $235
- Mint State (MS60–MS63): Between $700 and $2,000+
- MS65 or higher: Extremely rare and highly desirable—top-quality examples can sell for tens of thousands
- Auction Highlight: In February 2023, a high-grade 1925-S Buffalo Nickel sold for $3,840, showing strong interest in premium specimens
Factors such as strike quality, luster, and presence of the Full Horn or Full Steps can significantly affect the coin’s desirability and price. Coins with heavy wear or corrosion may fetch only a small premium over face value, but pristine, well-struck examples remain in high demand.
The mint mark “S” can be found just below the denomination on the reverse of the coin, confirming its San Francisco origin. The Mint’s craftsmanship, coupled with the coin’s limited mintage, lends this nickel a distinct identity that collectors deeply value.
In summary, the 1925-S Buffalo Nickel is a powerful blend of art, history, and scarcity. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual enthusiast, this coin is a fascinating addition that reflects the complexity and beauty of early American coinage.
Rare 1925 Buffalo Nickel Errors List
1925 Buffalo Nickel Clipped Planchet Error
A clipped planchet error is one of the more striking and collectible mistakes that can occur during the coin minting process. This error arises when the metal strip from which coin blanks are cut is misaligned or improperly fed through the cutting press, causing a portion of the planchet (blank coin disc) to be missing before the design is even struck.
In the case of the 1925 Buffalo Nickel, this flaw results in a coin with a visible curved or jagged area along the rim, where a piece of metal was never present. These clips can vary in size—some are minor and barely noticeable, while others can take out a large chunk of the coin’s edge, creating a dramatic appearance.
Collectors prize these error coins not only for their unusual look but also for their scarcity. Since minting errors like this were typically caught and discarded, surviving examples are few and far between.
The value of a 1925 Buffalo Nickel with a clipped planchet depends on several factors, including:
- The size and position of the clip
- The coin’s overall condition and grade
- Visibility of important details like the date and mint mark
In general, clipped planchet errors on this coin can raise its value by $100 to several hundred dollars, particularly when the error is large and well-defined.
If you come across a 1925 Buffalo Nickel with an odd edge or missing portion, it could be more than just worn—it might be a valuable mint error worth getting authenticated.
1925 Buffalo Nickel Off-Center Error
An off-center strike error is one of the most visually striking minting mistakes, and it can significantly boost a coin’s appeal and value among collectors. This type of error occurs when the coin blank, or planchet, is not correctly aligned with the dies during the striking process, resulting in a design that is shifted away from the center.
In the case of the 1925 Buffalo Nickel, off-center strikes can range from slight (around 5% off) to dramatic (as much as 50% off-center). The more off-center the design is—while still showing critical elements like the date and mint mark—the more collectible and valuable the coin becomes.
Coins with this error may appear lopsided, with part of the design missing and an area of the planchet left blank. These imperfections create a distinctive and rare visual effect that sets the coin apart from regular strikes.
For collectors, off-center Buffalo nickels from 1925 offer a fascinating glimpse into minting mishaps and are considered standout pieces in any error coin collection. Depending on the severity of the misalignment and the coin’s condition, these can be worth anywhere from $100 to over $500, especially if the error is well-centered on the remaining visible portion.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just getting into coin errors, a 1925 Buffalo Nickel with an off-center strike is a unique piece that tells a story of imperfection turned into rarity.
1925 Buffalo Nickel Struck on a Dime Silver Planchet Error
This rare and fascinating minting error occurs when a 1925 Buffalo Nickel is mistakenly struck on a silver planchet intended for a ten-cent coin instead of the proper five-cent planchet. The result is a unique coin with different metal composition, noticeably distinct weight, and an unusual metallic sheen compared to standard nickels.
Only a very small number of these error coins are known to exist, making them extremely valuable and highly sought after by collectors.
Due to its rarity and striking nature, the value of a 1925 Buffalo Nickel struck on a dime silver planchet can vary widely, depending on the coin’s condition and the degree of the error. In pristine, mint-condition examples, these errors have been known to sell for over $100,000 at auction, underscoring their exceptional desirability among numismatists.
Where to sell your nickel?
Now that you’re aware of your nickel’s value, you may be curious about the best places to sell it. Don’t worry: here’s a rundown of some top online marketplaces where you can conveniently sell your nickels, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Explore the best platforms for selling nickels online (advantages and disadvantages).
FAQ about the 1925 Buffalo Nickel
1. What is the composition of the 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
The 1925 Buffalo Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the standard alloy used from 1913 to 1938.
2. What designs are featured on the 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
- Obverse: Profile of a Native American chief, designed by James Earle Fraser
- Reverse: American bison (buffalo) standing on a mound
3. Which mints produced the 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
The 1925 Buffalo Nickels were minted at:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark)
4. Are there any notable varieties or errors for the 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
Yes, some varieties and errors to watch for include:
- Doubled dies and repunched mint marks on Denver and San Francisco issues
- Weak strikes, especially on the buffalo’s horns and Native American details
- Off-center strikes and die cracks
5. How rare is the 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
Philadelphia mint coins are generally more common, while Denver and San Francisco minted coins, especially in higher grades or with errors, are scarcer and more valuable.
6. What is the typical value of a 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
Values depend on mint mark and condition:
- Circulated Philadelphia coins: $5 to $50+
- Denver and San Francisco coins: $50 to several hundred dollars in higher grades
- Error coins and rare varieties can fetch significantly higher prices
7. What should collectors look for when purchasing a 1925 Buffalo Nickel?
- Clear strike detail on both obverse and reverse
- Authentic and well-placed mint marks
- Signs of wear, cleaning, or damage that could reduce value
- Any known error varieties or anomalies that increase rarity
