1917 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
$20,700 GEM Specimen or PR 05-31-2004 Superior Galleries
Description
The 1917 Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 51.4 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 78% of the year's 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. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $10 to $186 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 #3934.
External References
Error Varieties(7)
1917 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1917 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1917 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1917 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1917 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1917 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
