1915 (D) Buffalo Nickel

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1915

Denomination

Nickel

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938

Designer

James Earle Fraser

Mintage

7,569,000

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Weight

Diameter

21.2mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$34 - $438

Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized: $20,125
Sold: 27 September 2007
Grade: MS67
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

A nickel from the Denver Mint, the 1915 (D) Buffalo Nickel belongs to the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 7.6 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 25% of production. The obverse features a Native American portrait that James Earle Fraser described as a composite of several chiefs, including Iron Tail (Lakota) and Two Moons (Cheyenne), and the reverse displays an American bison, traditionally identified as Black Diamond of New York's Central Park menagerie, standing on flat ground. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Coined at Denver's facility, which transitioned from processing Colorado gold rush metal to full-scale coin production in 1906. Estimated market value ranges from $34 to $438 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3928.