1913-S Buffalo Nickel Value: How Much Is Your Coin Worth?

The 1913-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $40 in heavily circulated condition to over $25,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. This coin is a true American classic, and finding one in an old jar or a family collection is an exciting discovery for any casual treasure hunter.

Understanding the Significance of the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1913-S Buffalo Nickel is a monumental coin because it marks the very first year of the Buffalo (or Indian Head) Nickel series. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was intended to capture the authentic spirit of the American West.

Because 1913 was a transitional year, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties, making this specific date and mint mark highly sought after by collectors. If you aren’t sure which version you have, utilizing a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish the subtle differences in the design.

For everyday Americans, the 1913-S is a “key date” coin. Unlike common nickels from the 1930s that might only be worth a few dollars, the “S” mint mark signifies that it was struck in San Francisco in limited quantities. This scarcity is exactly why the CoinKnow app often flags these coins as high-value items when users scan their collections.

Identifying Type 1 vs Type 2 1913-S Nickels

When assessing the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel value, the first thing you must do is determine if you have a “Type 1” or a “Type 2.” This refers to the design on the reverse (the back) of the coin where the American Bison stands.

Type 1 nickels feature the bison standing on a raised mound of dirt. The words “FIVE CENTS” are inscribed directly on that mound. However, the Mint soon realized that the letters on the raised mound would wear away too quickly in circulation.

To fix this, they redesigned the coin mid-year to create Type 2. In this version, the bison stands on a flat line (a recessed ground), and the “FIVE CENTS” is placed in a protected, sunken area below the line. The 1913-S Type 2 is significantly rarer and more valuable than the Type 1 because fewer were minted before the year ended.

Detailed Price Guide for 1913-S Buffalo Nickels

Collectors use a 70-point grading scale to determine a coin’s worth. Even a small difference in wear can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars. For instance, the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel Type 1 prices demonstrate that “Mint State” (uncirculated) coins command a massive premium over those found in pocket change.

If you are looking for specific 1913 Buffalo Nickel worth information, remember that the “S” mint mark on the back is the game-changer. Coins minted in Philadelphia (with no mint mark) are much more common. Always check the bottom of the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” wording.

Why the San Francisco Mint Mark Matters

In the early 20th century, the San Francisco Mint typically produced far fewer coins than the main Philadelphia Mint. In 1913, the San Francisco Mint struck roughly 2.1 million Type 1 nickels and only about 1.2 million Type 2 nickels.

Compared to the tens of millions produced in Philadelphia, these numbers are very low. This low mintage, combined with the fact that many Buffalo Nickels had their dates worn off through heavy use, makes a 1913-S with a clear, readable date a prize for any numismatist.

If you find a coin where the date is faint, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasive cloths can destroy its numismatic value instantly. Professional collectors prefer “original skin” or natural toning over a shiny, scrubbed coin. To get an idea of what a clean, original surface looks like, check the CoinKnow database for high-resolution comparison photos.

Common Errors and Varieties to Look For

While the Type 1 and Type 2 distinction is the most important factor for the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel value, there are also minor errors that can increase a coin’s worth. Experienced hunters look for “doubled dies,” where the lettering or the profile of the Indian chief looks blurry or “shadowed.”

Another thing to look for is a “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM). This happens when the “S” was stamped into the die more than once, shifting slightly each time. While not as famous as the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel, these small variations add a layer of mystery and profit to the 1913-S.

Using the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on these tiny details. Sometimes what looks like a scratch to the naked eye is actually a rare mint error that could double the value of your nickel.

How to Safely Store and Sell Your Rare Nickel

If you’ve confirmed that you have a genuine 1913-S Buffalo Nickel, your next step is preservation. Because these coins are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, they can oxidize over time. Place the coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder to keep it safe from oils on your fingers.

For a coin as valuable as the 1913-S, especially the Type 2, having it “slabbed” (authenticated and graded) by a service like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended. A certified grade removes any doubt about the coin’s condition and makes it much easier to sell for top dollar.

Summary of the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1913-S Buffalo Nickel remains a cornerstone of American coin collecting. Whether it’s a worn Type 1 that has traveled through thousands of hands or a pristine Type 2 that was tucked away in a bank vault for a century, its value is undeniable.

For the average person, the most important takeaway is to look closely at the “mound” on the reverse and check for that small “S” mark. You might just be holding a small piece of American history worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1913-S Buffalo Nickel?

A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin (the side with the buffalo). It is positioned at the very bottom, below the words “FIVE CENTS” and above the rim of the coin.

Q: Is a 1913 Buffalo Nickel without a mint mark valuable?

A: While still collectible, 1913 nickels with no mint mark (made in Philadelphia) are much more common. In circulated condition, they often sell for $10 to $20, compared to the $40 to $300 price tag of the San Francisco “S” version.

Q: Why did they change the design from Type 1 to Type 2?

A: The Type 1 design featured the denomination “FIVE CENTS” on a raised mound. Mint officials realized that because the mound was the highest point on the coin, the lettering would wear off almost immediately in circulation, making it impossible to see the coin’s value. Type 2 moved the text to a recessed area for protection.

Q: Should I clean my 1913-S Buffalo Nickel to make it worth more?

A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin with any chemical or abrasive material creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily spot. A “cleaned” coin often loses 50% or more of its market value compared to one with its original patina.