1915 (S) Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$55,813 MS67 12-12-2019 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1915 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 1.5 million, this is a scarce issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 5% of total production. 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. 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 at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $57 to $1.5K 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 #3929.
