The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 or more in high mint state grades. If you just found one of these coins in an old jar or inherited collection, you’re sitting on something genuinely special — and this guide will help you figure out exactly what you’ve got.
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What Makes the 1917-S Buffalo Nickel Special
The “S” in 1917-S tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. During 1917, the Buffalo Nickel — officially known as the Indian Head Nickel — was produced at three mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The San Francisco version had a mintage of about 4,193,000 coins, which sounds like a lot until you realize how few survived in decent condition after more than a century of pocket change, wear, and loss.
The design itself, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, remains one of the most beloved in American coinage history. The obverse shows a Native American portrait composed from three real subjects Fraser studied, while the reverse features an American bison modeled after a famous buffalo named Black Diamond. It’s a coin that tells a story — and collectors are willing to pay serious money to own it.
If you want a quick way to identify whether your coin is a genuine 1917-S or something else entirely, a coin identification app can help you confirm the mintmark location and overall coin details before you go further.
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1917-S Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
Condition is everything with old nickels. A coin that looks dull and flat with no visible horn on the buffalo is in “Good” condition — still worth money, but not near as much as a coin with sharp details. Here’s a breakdown of what the 1917-S typically sells for:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, flat details | $15 – $25 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail visible | $30 – $50 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, clear design elements | $55 – $90 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points only | $175 – $300 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, nearly full luster | $400 – $650 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, moderate bag marks | $900 – $1,500 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem quality, sharp strike | $2,000+ |
For the most current auction results and dealer prices, you can check live 1917-S Buffalo Nickel price data across mint state grades to see what these coins are actually selling for right now.
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How to Grade Your 1917-S Buffalo Nickel at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s grade. Start by looking at three key areas: the horn on the buffalo, the braid above the Native American’s ear, and the word “LIBERTY” above the portrait.
In lower grades like Good or Very Good, the buffalo’s horn is either completely flat or just barely visible as a bump. By Fine grade, you should see the horn clearly but it won’t be sharp. In Extremely Fine and better coins, the horn stands out prominently and you can see separation in the hair above the ear.
Lighting matters too. Use a single light source at an angle and look for luster — that cartwheel-like shimmer that spins across an uncirculated coin as you tilt it. If your coin has that glow, you might have something worth getting professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
CoinKnow is a great tool to help you understand coin grading basics before you visit a dealer. It explains what to look for on specific dates and mintmarks, so you walk in informed rather than guessing.
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Should You Get It Professionally Graded?
If your 1917-S Buffalo Nickel looks like it’s in Extremely Fine condition or better, professional grading is almost always worth it. A PCGS or NGC holder adds verified authenticity and can dramatically increase what a buyer is willing to pay — sometimes doubling or tripling the raw coin price.
Grading fees typically run $20–$50 per coin through standard submission services, so it only makes financial sense if your coin is likely worth $150 or more. For circulated examples in the Good to Fine range, you’re probably better off selling raw to a local coin dealer or through an online marketplace like eBay.
To get a complete picture of what your 1917 nickel might be worth across all conditions and mintmarks, check out this detailed 1917 Buffalo Nickel value guide covering all three mints — it’s a handy reference whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious.
CoinKnow also offers grading guidance and price comparisons in one place, making it easy for first-time sellers to understand what they have before committing to anything.
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FAQ
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1917-S Buffalo Nickel?
A: The mintmark “S” is located on the reverse side of the coin, beneath the words “FIVE CENTS” and just above the ground line where the buffalo stands. It’s a small letter, so use a magnifying glass if needed.
Q: Is a 1917-S Buffalo Nickel rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in worn grades, but high-quality examples — anything in Mint State — are genuinely scarce and highly sought after by collectors. Finding one in AU or better condition is a real find.
Q: Can I clean my 1917-S Buffalo Nickel to make it look better?
A: Please don’t. Cleaning a coin almost always lowers its value in the eyes of collectors and dealers. Even a gentle wipe can leave microscopic scratches that kill the coin’s luster and drop its grade significantly. Leave it as-is and let a professional assess it.
