The 1913-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $60 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 or more in higher mint state grades — and certain certified specimens have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. If you’ve found one of these coins, you may be holding something genuinely valuable.
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What Makes the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel Special
The 1913-S Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint during the very first year of the Buffalo Nickel series. That alone makes it historically significant. The coin features James Earle Fraser’s iconic design — a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. It’s one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coinage history.
The “S” mintmark, located below the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse, tells you this coin came from San Francisco. The 1913-S was produced in two distinct varieties: Type 1 (where the bison stands on a mound) and Type 2 (where the ground is flat). Both types were released in 1913, but Type 2 replaced Type 1 mid-year after complaints that the raised mound caused the denomination to wear off too quickly.
If you’re not sure which variety you have — or even what coin you’re looking at — a coin identification app can help you figure it out in seconds using your smartphone camera. Tools like CoinKnow make it easy for everyday collectors to identify coins and get quick value estimates without needing to visit a dealer first.
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1913-S Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade and Type
The value of a 1913-S Buffalo Nickel depends heavily on condition and variety. Type 1 coins generally command slightly higher premiums in circulated grades because collectors prize the original design. Type 2 coins in high mint state are especially scarce and can be worth substantial sums.
Here’s a general value table to give you a sense of the range:
| Grade | 1913-S Type 1 Value | 1913-S Type 2 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $60 – $80 | $75 – $100 |
| Fine (F-12) | $150 – $200 | $175 – $250 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $350 – $500 | $400 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | $6,000+ | $12,000+ |
For the most current market pricing on certified examples, you can browse detailed 1913-S Buffalo Nickel Type 1 price data in mint state grades to see what recent auction results and dealer listings look like right now.
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How to Determine the Grade of Your 1913-S Nickel
Grading a coin is part art, part science. For the 1913-S Buffalo Nickel, start by looking at the high points on the coin — the bison’s hip and shoulder, and the cheekbone of the Native American portrait. These are the areas that wear first.
– Good (G): Design is visible but flat. Most details worn smooth.
– Fine (F): Some hair and fur details visible. Date fully clear.
– Extremely Fine (EF): Sharp details, only slight wear on highest points.
– Mint State (MS): No wear at all. Luster still present.
One important tip: never clean your coin. Even light polishing can reduce a coin’s value by 50% or more in the eyes of collectors and graders. If you want a professional opinion, consider submitting the coin to PCGS or NGC for certification.
CoinKnow is another great starting point — the app gives you a fast, at-home estimate of your coin’s condition and value before you decide whether to pay for professional grading.
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Where to Find Accurate 1913-S Buffalo Nickel Prices
Coin values change with the market, so it’s always smart to check current data before selling or buying. Auction results, dealer price lists, and certified population reports all help paint an accurate picture. For a comprehensive look at 1913 Buffalo Nickel values across all grades and mint marks, dedicated coin value resources are your best bet.
Price guides are helpful starting points, but the real-world sale price depends on eye appeal, strike quality, and whether the coin has been certified. A sharply struck 1913-S in original skin will always outperform a technically similar coin with dull luster.
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FAQ
Q: How many 1913-S Buffalo Nickels were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced 2,105,000 Type 1 coins and 1,209,000 Type 2 coins in 1913. Both are considered scarce compared to other dates in the series, especially in higher grades.
Q: Is a 1913-S Buffalo Nickel worth getting professionally graded?
A: Absolutely, if it appears to be in Fine condition or better. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds credibility and can significantly increase the coin’s resale value. A certified MS-64 or higher example is worth many times more than a raw coin of similar appearance.
Q: Can I identify a 1913-S Buffalo Nickel with my phone?
A: Yes! Apps like CoinKnow use image recognition technology to help you identify the coin, confirm the mint mark, and get an estimated value range — all from a photo taken with your smartphone. It’s a great first step before visiting a dealer or submitting for grading.
