1917-D Buffalo Nickel Value Guide What It’s Worth and How to Find Out
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The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 or more in higher mint state grades. If you found one of these classic old nickels and you’re wondering what it might bring, you’re in the right place — this guide breaks it all down in plain language.
What Makes the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Special
The “D” in 1917-D stands for the Denver Mint, one of three facilities that struck Buffalo Nickels that year. Denver produced just over 9 million of these coins, making it a mid-range issue — not the rarest date in the series, but not the most common either. Collectors actively seek out Denver-mint examples, especially in better grades.
The Buffalo Nickel design itself was created by sculptor James Earle Fraser and is considered one of the most beautiful American coin designs ever made. The obverse features a Native American portrait, while the reverse shows a bison standing on a mound. These coins circulated heavily, so finding a well-preserved example is always a pleasant surprise.
If you’re unsure whether your coin is a 1917-D or a different date and mint, using a coin identifier and value app can help you confirm the details quickly just by scanning your coin with your phone’s camera. Modern tools like CoinKnow make this process easy even if you’ve never collected coins before.
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How to Find the Mint Mark on Your 1917-D Buffalo Nickel
Locating the mint mark is one of the first things you’ll want to do. On the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel, the “D” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” It’s a small letter, so you may need a magnifying glass to spot it clearly.
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Before you look at value, make sure the “D” is actually there. Buffalo Nickels from Philadelphia in 1917 have no mint mark at all, while San Francisco coins carry an “S.” Getting the mint mark right is essential because each mint produced a different number of coins, and that directly affects value.
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If the area below “FIVE CENTS” is worn flat or unclear, the date area at the base of the buffalo’s front leg may also be faint. This is a common issue with these nickels because the high points of the design wore down quickly in circulation.
1917-D Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
Grade is everything when it comes to coin value. The same 1917-D Buffalo Nickel can be worth $15 or $15,000 depending on its condition. Here’s a quick breakdown of approximate values:
| Grade | Description | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Very worn, date visible | $15 – $20 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, design clear | $35 – $55 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $150 – $250 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, mostly original luster | $350 – $550 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, moderate marks | $800 – $1,200 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | Exceptional, nearly perfect | $3,000 – $15,000+ |
For a deeper look at how the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel has performed at auction and in certified coin sales, you can review detailed 1917 Buffalo Nickel price data across multiple grades — it’s a useful reference before buying or selling.
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What Affects the Value Beyond Grade
Coin grade is the biggest factor, but it’s not the only one. The eye appeal of a coin — how attractive it looks overall — matters a great deal to collectors and dealers alike. A coin with original skin (meaning it hasn’t been cleaned or polished) will almost always sell for more than one that has been altered.
Cleaning is one of the most common ways a Buffalo Nickel loses value. Many people over the years tried to “shine up” old coins not realizing it actually damages the surface and removes collector value. If your coin looks bright and shiny in an unnatural way, there’s a chance it was cleaned at some point.
Strike quality also plays a role. Some 1917-D coins came off the press with a softer or weaker strike, meaning the fine details in the hair and the fur on the bison are not fully defined. Sharp, fully struck examples command a premium. CoinKnow can help you compare your coin to known examples and give you a better sense of where your piece might fall in the market.
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Should You Get Your 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Graded?
If your coin appears to be in Extremely Fine condition or better, professional grading may be worth the investment. Third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC authenticate and grade coins, then seal them in a tamper-evident holder. A graded coin is generally easier to sell and typically brings stronger prices.
For coins in Good or Fine grades, professional grading usually costs more than the premium it adds to the sale price. In those cases, knowing the approximate value on your own is usually sufficient. You can find comprehensive 1917 nickel value information by grade and mint mark to help you decide whether submitting for grading makes financial sense.
If you want a fast first opinion before paying for grading, CoinKnow offers an instant coin valuation feature that gives you a realistic estimate based on current market data.
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FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is a 1917-D and not a different year?
A: Look carefully at the date on the obverse (front) of the coin near the bottom. The date should clearly read “1917.” Then flip the coin over and look below “FIVE CENTS” for a small “D” mint mark. If the date is worn off, you may have what collectors call a “dateless” Buffalo Nickel, which is worth far less.
Q: Is a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark worth anything?
A: A 1917 Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark was made in Philadelphia. It’s a different coin from the 1917-D, but it still has collector value. Philadelphia produced the most coins that year, so values are generally a bit lower than the Denver issue, though condition still drives the price significantly.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel?
A: Your best options include reputable coin dealers, online auction platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions, and local coin shows. If the coin grades EF or better, consider getting it professionally graded first — it can make selling much easier and often brings a noticeably higher price.