1919-S Buffalo Nickel Value Guide What This Coin Is Worth Today
The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $10 in heavily worn condition to over $2,000 or more in higher mint state grades. If you’ve stumbled across one of these old nickels in a jar, drawer, or old collection, you’re holding a piece of American history that could be worth serious money depending on its condition.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, try using a free coin identifier app to help you figure out exactly what coin you have before diving into the value details. These tools can save you a lot of guesswork and help you avoid undervaluing a coin that might be worth more than you think.
What Makes the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel Special
The 1919-S Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is identified by the small “S” mint mark found below the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse side of the coin. In 1919, the San Francisco Mint produced about 7,521,000 of these nickels — a mintage that’s lower than the Philadelphia issue from the same year. Lower mintage coins tend to be scarcer today, and scarcity often translates into higher collector value.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features a Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison standing on a mound on the reverse. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and is considered one of the most artistically significant coins in American history. Collectors love this series, and the 1919-S is a key date that belongs in any serious Buffalo Nickel collection.
CoinKnow makes it easy to identify and research coins like this one. With its database of thousands of U.S. coins and grading guides built right in, it’s a go-to tool for both beginners and experienced collectors.
1919-S Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
The value of a 1919-S Buffalo Nickel depends heavily on its condition, or “grade.” Coins that have been circulated heavily will show significant wear on the high points — especially the bison’s horn, the Native American’s cheekbone, and the hair details. Even circulated examples, however, carry decent value due to the coin’s lower mintage and collector demand.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $10 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, some detail remains | $25 – $40 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points only | $90 – $130 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, most luster intact | $175 – $250 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor blemishes | $500 – $900 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, sharp details | $2,000+ |
For the most up-to-date figures, you can check current 1919-S Buffalo Nickel auction prices and mint state values across recent sales and graded examples.
How to Identify Your 1919-S and Check Its Condition
To confirm you have a 1919-S, look at the reverse of the coin just below “FIVE CENTS.” A small “S” mint mark should be visible there. If there’s no mint mark, the coin was made in Philadelphia and is worth slightly less in most grades.
When assessing condition at home, look at the bison’s horn and the Native American’s hair braid — these are the first areas to show wear. If the horn is fully visible and defined, your coin is likely in Fine grade or better. If details in the hair are sharp with little wear, you may have an Extremely Fine or better example.
If you want a more accurate assessment, consider having the coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A graded and slabbed coin will almost always sell for more than a raw coin in the same condition, because buyers trust certified grades.
Where to Sell a 1919-S Buffalo Nickel
Once you know what you have, selling is easier than you might think. Platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Great Collections are popular options for getting fair market value. Local coin dealers are another option, though they’ll typically offer you 60–80% of retail value since they need room to make a profit.
Before you sell, do your research. Look at completed sales on auction platforms for comparable coins. You can also explore detailed 1919 nickel value information and price history by grade to understand the full range of what collectors are currently paying.
CoinKnow is also a helpful resource here — its price tracking feature lets you monitor coin values over time so you can choose the best moment to sell rather than rushing into a deal.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1919 nickel is the S mint mark version?
A: Flip the coin over to the reverse side and look just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” A small “S” letter there confirms it was minted in San Francisco. No letter means Philadelphia; a “D” means Denver.
Q: Is a worn 1919-S Buffalo Nickel still worth keeping?
A: Absolutely. Even heavily worn examples in Good grade are worth $10–$15 or more, and that value tends to hold steady over time. If you’re a collector, any example of this lower-mintage date is worth adding to your set.
Q: Can I use an app to find out what my 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is worth?
A: Yes — CoinKnow and similar apps can help you identify your coin and get a ballpark value based on condition and mint mark. They’re not a substitute for professional grading, but they’re a great starting point for everyday folks who just found an old coin and want to know what they’ve got.
