1914-S Buffalo Nickel Value What This Rare Coin Is Worth Today
The 1914-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,500 in higher mint state grades — and truly exceptional examples have sold for thousands at major auctions. If you found one of these old nickels in a drawer or a coin jar, you may be sitting on something surprisingly valuable.
What Makes the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel Special
Before you can understand the value of your coin, it helps to know a little background. The Buffalo Nickel, also called the Indian Head Nickel, was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and first issued in 1913. The “S” mint mark on the 1914-S tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. That detail matters quite a bit — the San Francisco facility produced far fewer Buffalo Nickels that year compared to the Philadelphia Mint, making the 1914-S a lower-mintage coin that collectors actively seek out.
The total mintage for the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel was approximately 3,470,000 coins. That sounds like a lot, but compared to the Philadelphia issue and considering how many were lost, melted, or heavily worn over more than a century of circulation, surviving examples in nice condition are genuinely scarce. If you want to quickly identify whether your coin has an “S” mint mark, try using a free coin identifier app — modern tools can help you read mint marks and confirm what you have in just a few seconds. CoinKnow is a great option for this, as it walks you through identification step by step.
1914-S Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
The single biggest factor in what your 1914-S Buffalo Nickel is worth is its condition, which coin collectors call the “grade.” A coin that spent decades in circulation will show heavy wear — flattened details on the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbones are the first things to go. Meanwhile, an uncirculated example that was kept out of circulation looks nearly as crisp as the day it left the mint and commands a serious premium.
Here is a general value guide based on current market trends:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, date visible | $30 – $50 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, major details clear | $55 – $90 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, design elements visible | $100 – $160 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points only | $350 – $500 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight friction, mostly original luster | $600 – $900 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated with some contact marks | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem quality, sharp strike, full luster | $4,000+ |
For a closer look at certified mint state 1914-S Buffalo Nickel price data across MS grades, professional auction records can give you real-world sale prices rather than estimates.
How to Check the Condition of Your 1914-S Buffalo Nickel
You do not need to be an expert to get a rough sense of what grade your coin falls into. Grab a magnifying glass and look at a few key spots. On the obverse (heads side), examine the Native American’s cheekbone and the braids in his hair — worn coins will show these as flat and smooth. On the reverse (tails side), check the buffalo’s front shoulder and the detail at the top of its horn. If those areas are still raised and show texture, your coin is in better shape.
Try to avoid cleaning your coin. This is one of the most common mistakes new collectors make. A cleaned coin actually loses value in the eyes of dealers and graders because it destroys the original surface. If your 1914-S Buffalo Nickel value could be significant, leave it exactly as you found it. CoinKnow also reminds users of this inside the app — never clean a coin before getting it evaluated.
Should You Get Your 1914-S Buffalo Nickel Graded?
If your coin looks like it is in Extra Fine or better condition, professional grading may well be worth the investment. Services like PCGS and NGC will authenticate and grade your coin, sealing it in a tamper-evident holder that makes it far easier to sell at full market value. Grading fees typically start around $30 to $50 per coin, so it makes sense when the potential value is several hundred dollars or more.
For coins in lower circulated grades, professional grading is probably not necessary. Instead, consider reaching out to a local coin dealer or checking recent auction results online to get a ballpark offer. Either way, CoinKnow can help you understand what grade range your coin likely falls in before you spend money on formal submission.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my Buffalo Nickel is a 1914-S and not just a 1914?
A: Look at the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. No letter means Philadelphia. A “D” means Denver. The San Francisco version is the most valuable of the three 1914 issues.
Q: Is a worn 1914-S Buffalo Nickel still worth keeping?
A: Absolutely. Even in Good condition, the 1914-S Buffalo Nickel is worth $30 to $50 — far more than its face value — simply because of its age, mint mark, and collector demand. Any coin over 100 years old with a low mintage deserves a second look.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1914-S Buffalo Nickel?
A: You have several solid options: a local coin dealer, an online auction site like eBay, or a major coin auction house if your coin is in high grade. If you want to get a quick sense of current market prices before selling, check recent completed sales online or use CoinKnow to see what similar coins have fetched recently.
