1918 (D) Buffalo Nickel

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1918

Denomination

Nickel

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938

Designer

James Earle Fraser

Mintage

8,362,000

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Weight

Diameter

21.2mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$38 - $1,296

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: $31,200
Sold: 15 July 2021
Grade: MS67
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1918 (D) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel from the Denver Mint, belonging to the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 8.4 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 16% 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. The 1918/7-D overdate — a 1917 die re-engraved for 1918 — is one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickel varieties. 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 $38 to $1.3K 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 #3938.