1925 (D) Buffalo Nickel

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1925

Denomination

Nickel

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938

Designer

James Earle Fraser

Mintage

4,450,000

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Weight

Diameter

21.2mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$19 - $1,127

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: $57,500
Sold: 9 August 2007
Grade: MS66
Auction house: Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1925 (D) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel minted at the Denver Mint, within the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 4.5 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 10% of total 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. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. The Denver Mint, which grew from an 1860s gold rush assay office, has served as a major production facility since 1906. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $1.1K 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 #3955.