1918 Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
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
- $55,200
- Sold
- Grade
- MS67+
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1918 Buffalo Nickel represents a Philadelphia Mint issue from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 32.1 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 4 variants, accounting for 60% of the year's 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. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $7 to $407 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 #3937.
External References
Error Varieties(2)
1918 Doubled Die Reverse VDDR-002
1918 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001 / DDR-001
Other Strike Types in This Series
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