1926 Buffalo Nickel

About This Coin

The 1926 Buffalo Nickel is a United States nickel from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series — 13th of 23 years in the series. In 1926, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 51.3 million. This ranks 13th of 23 years by total mintage, above the series median of 48.7 million. 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. The 1926-S is a major condition rarity, very scarce in grades above Fine. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 6 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1931 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $2 to $11K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $322K in MS66 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by James Earle Fraser.