1914 Buffalo Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1914 Buffalo Nickel is a United States nickel from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series — the second year of the series. In 1914, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 48.7 million. This ranks 12th of 23 years by total mintage, at the series median of 48.7 million. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. The 1914-D is a scarce early Denver issue. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 8 known die varieties for this date across 5 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark and 2 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $39 to $6.3K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $63K in MS65 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Earle Fraser.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
