What is the value of a 1923 buffalo nickel?

Determining the Value of an old Coin

To determine the value of your Buffalo Nickel, you need to determine a couple things first :

• 1) Which (if any) mintmark does it have? Look on the back, under the words FIVE CENTS, to see if it has a small letter. No letter means the coin was minted in Philadelphia, an "S" means it came from the San Francisco Mint.

• 2) What condition is the coin in ? If you can read all the lettering, it will grade at least Good. If the tip of the buffalo's horn, his tail where it crosses the high point of his hip, and all the detail in the Indian's hair are clearly visible, it will probably grade Extremely Fine

Once you know the date, mintmark, and grade, you can go to a price guide to look up the value. There is a free online RETAIL price guide at the related link.

With no mint mark on the back, $2-5 in average condition (http://cyrrion.com/specificCoinMain.do?elementId=7239).

With a small "S" under the words FIVE CENTS, $7 if very worn, $25 if only somewhat worn (http://cyrrion.com/specificCoinMain.do?elementId=7238).

(*) FWIW the coin is actually a nickel rather than "nickle"

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Coins are graded on a scale of 1-70. Generally you will find the lowest grade being a 3, or About Good. These coins are very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date, and legend worn smooth. The date may be barely readable. The highest grade possible is a Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) These coins are in perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling, or contact with other coins. Bery few regular-issue coins are ever found in this condition. In determining the grade of your coin, you should follow these simple guidelines.

G-4 Good-- Legends and date readable. Buffalo's horn does not show.

VG-8 Very Good- Horn worn nearly flat.

F-12 Fine- Horn and tail smooth but partially visible. Obverse rim intact.

VF-20 Very Fine- Much of horn visible. Indian's cheekbone worn.

EF-40 Extremely Fine- Horn lightly worn. Slight wear on Indian's hair ribbon.

AU-50 About Uncirculated- Traces of light wear on only ht ehigh points of the design. Half of mint luster present.

MS-60 Uncirculated- No trace of wear. May have several blemishes.

MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- No trace of wear. Light blemishes.

Following these guidelines on determining the approximate grade of your coin can further help your understanding of the value of your 1923 Indian Head (Buffalo) nickel.

A 1923 Philadelphia (No mint mark) Buffalo Nickel ranges from $2.00 (G-4) to $60 (MS-63). There was 35.7 million of these nickels minted here in 1923.

A 1923S (San Francisco mint) Buffalo Nickel ranges from $7.50 (G-4) to $475 (MS-63). There was 6.1 million of these nickels minted in San Francisco in 1923.

All values are approximate and there are always certain numismatic anomalies that may change (increase or decrease) the value of your coin.

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