1915 Buffalo Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1915 Buffalo Nickel is a United States nickel from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. In 1915, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 30.1 million. 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. 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 2 categories, including doubled die obverse, repunched mint mark. Across its variants, estimated values range from $9 to $1.5K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $69K in PR69 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by James Earle Fraser.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, 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.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(4)
1915 (D) Buffalo Nickel
1915 (S) Buffalo Nickel
1915 Buffalo Nickel
1915 Proof Buffalo Nickel
Other Base Coins in This Series
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