1938 (D) Buffalo Nickel - D/S
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of June 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$25,300 MS68 08-18-2004 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1938 (D) Buffalo Nickel - D/S is a nickel from the Denver Mint, belonging to the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. 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. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. 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 $12 to $25K 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 #3985.
External References
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