1913-D Buffalo Nickel Value What It’s Worth and How to Identify Your Coin
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The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 or more in uncirculated mint state grades — and top-quality examples have sold at auction for tens of thousands of dollars. If you found one of these coins in an old jar or inherited collection, you may be holding onto something genuinely valuable.
What Makes the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Special
The 1913-D Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint during the very first year the iconic Buffalo (or Indian Head) Nickel design was produced. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin features a bold Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison standing on a mound on the reverse. It’s one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coinage history.
The “D” mintmark tells you this coin came from Denver, not Philadelphia. You’ll find it on the reverse, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” Denver produced a solid mintage in 1913, but that doesn’t mean these coins are easy to find in good condition today.
Because so many of these nickels circulated heavily for decades, worn examples are common — but well-preserved specimens are genuinely rare and command strong collector interest.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you’re not sure what you have, using a coin identifier and value app is a fast and easy way to get a quick read on your coin before diving deeper into grading and valuation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the Two Types from 1913
Here’s something most people don’t realize: the 1913 Buffalo Nickel actually comes in two distinct varieties, called Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 shows the bison standing on a raised mound or hill. Type 2 shows the bison standing on a flat line, with the words “FIVE CENTS” recessed into the design. The Denver Mint produced both types in 1913.
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Type 1 coins tend to be slightly more popular among collectors for their original design appearance. You can explore detailed 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 1 price data across multiple grades to see exactly how condition affects value at every level.
Identifying your type correctly matters — it can affect pricing by a meaningful margin, especially in higher grades.
1913-D Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
Coin value depends almost entirely on condition. Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is worth across different grades:
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| Grade | Description | Estimated Value (Type 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $30 – $45 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, some detail | $55 – $90 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear, sharp details | $150 – $250 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear on high points | $350 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $1,200 – $2,500+ |
These are general ranges. Actual prices can shift based on market demand, eye appeal, and whether the coin has been certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
How to Check Your Coin’s Condition at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to do a basic condition check. Start by looking at the highest points of the design — the buffalo’s shoulder and hip, and the Native American’s cheekbone. If those areas are smooth and flat, the coin is worn. If you can still see clear texture and definition, you may have a higher-grade piece.
Always handle your coin by the edges, never touch the flat surfaces, and use good lighting when examining it. CoinKnow is a great tool for this step — the app gives you a quick visual grade estimate using your phone camera, making it easy to get a ballpark value without any specialized equipment.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For a more in-depth look at what your coin is worth, this 1913 nickel value guide breaks down pricing by date, mintmark, and grade in an easy-to-follow format.
Should You Get It Professionally Graded
If your coin looks like it might be in AU or mint state condition, professional grading is absolutely worth considering. PCGS and NGC are the two most trusted grading services in the hobby, and a certified coin in a sealed holder sells for noticeably more than a raw, ungraded example.
The cost of grading typically starts around $30–$50 per coin, so it only makes financial sense if your coin appears to be in fairly good shape. CoinKnow can help you decide whether grading is worth it — scan your coin in the app and it gives you a confidence rating along with estimated value, so you’re not going in blind.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1913-D Buffalo Nickel is Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look at the reverse side. If the bison stands on a raised mound that curves up, it’s Type 1. If the ground is a flat line with “FIVE CENTS” recessed below, it’s Type 2. Both types were made at the Denver Mint in 1913.
Q: Is a worn 1913-D Buffalo Nickel still worth keeping?
A: Yes, even heavily worn examples are worth $30 or more — far above face value. Collectors need circulated examples too, and condition-rarity means well-worn coins still trade regularly in the hobby market.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel?
A: Options include coin dealers, eBay, Heritage Auctions, and local coin shows. For high-grade examples, a major auction house will get you the best return. For circulated coins, a reputable dealer or online marketplace works well. CoinKnow also points users toward selling platforms based on coin type and estimated value.