Once a humble piece of pocket change, a worn Buffalo Nickel missing its date could now be worth as much as $120,000 and collectors across the U.S. are scrambling to find one. Originally minted between 1913 and 1938, these iconic nickels feature a Native American on the front and a majestic buffalo on the reverse. But it’s not just nostalgia driving their value it’s a rare error, combined with heavy wear, that turns an ordinary coin into a collector’s jackpot.
Why Buffalo Nickels With No Date Are Worth So Much
Most dateless Buffalo Nickels are simply well-circulated coins worn down over time but a select few are rare mint errors or low-mintage varieties that have become legends in the numismatic world. In particular, some of these dateless coins hide a valuable secret: they belong to rare issues like the 1937-D “Three-Legged Buffalo” or even earlier, more elusive types. Since the date on Buffalo Nickels was located on a high point of the design, it was prone to wearing off making undated nickels surprisingly common, but occasionally extremely valuable.
How to Tell If Your Buffalo Nickel Is Rare (Even Without a Date)
If you’ve got an old Buffalo Nickel with no visible date, don’t dismiss it too quickly. Here’s what to look for:
- Inspect the reverse (back) of the coin for the buffalo.
- Look closely at the buffalo’s front legs. The legendary error coin shows only three legs one front leg is missing due to a damaged die used during minting.
- Check for a mint mark under the “Five Cents” text. A small “D” indicates the coin was minted in Denver, which is key to identifying the 1937 error.
Even if you can’t see the date, a magnifying glass or coin microscope can help you detect subtle details. And if the coin has a missing front leg and a Denver mint mark, you might be holding something very special.
Key Features to Check
| Feature | Common Buffalo Nickel | Rare Error Variety (1937-D) |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Legs | Four legs | Only three legs |
| Mint Mark | D, P, or S | Usually D (Denver) |
| Visible Date | Worn but visible | Often missing or worn |
| Error Type | None | Struck with damaged die |
Why Collectors Are Willing to Pay Over $100,000
Rarity, history, and curiosity all drive the value of these coins. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo is one of the most iconic U.S. coin errors only a few thousand are believed to exist. Add the mystery of a missing date, and you’ve got a coin that’s not only rare, but challenging to identify, which makes it even more desirable.
In recent years, examples of this error in high grades have sold for $120,000 or more at major auctions. Even lower-grade specimens can bring in thousands of dollars, depending on condition and market demand. That’s a massive return on what might look like a damaged old nickel.
Other Valuable Buffalo Nickels You Should Know About
While the Three-Legged Buffalo grabs headlines, it’s not the only Buffalo Nickel commanding high prices. Here are a few more to watch for:
| Coin Type | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1937-D Three-Legged Error | Missing front leg on buffalo | Up to $120,000+ |
| 1918/7-D Overdate | “7” stamped over “8” in the date | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| 1926-S | Low mintage San Francisco issue | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | Double image of date and profile | $10,000 – $25,000 |
Even some Buffalo Nickels with visible dates can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on rarity, condition, and errors.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If you suspect your Buffalo Nickel might be rare:
- Examine it carefully under good light with a magnifier.
- Note any unusual features especially leg errors, doubling, or odd mint marks.
- Avoid cleaning the coin this can significantly reduce its value.
- Contact a professional coin grader or dealer for an official evaluation. Trusted organizations like PCGS or NGC can help verify authenticity and condition.
A small investment in a grading service could unlock a six-figure value.
Final Thoughts: Your Change Jar Could Hold a Hidden Gem
Thousands of Buffalo Nickels are sitting unnoticed in coin jars, desk drawers, and old family boxes and some of them might be worth far more than their five-cent face value. If you come across one without a date, don’t toss it aside. Take a closer look it could be the legendary Three-Legged Buffalo or another rare error hiding in plain sight.
In 2025, collectors are paying more than ever for these mysterious, dateless nickels. So before you spend it or give it away, inspect it. Your forgotten coin might just be worth $120,000 or more and it all starts with a missing date.