- 1930 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse
- 1930 Buffalo Nickel Copy
- 1936 Indian Head Nickel Value
- 1930 Buffalo Nickel Worth
Buffalo Nickel Overview
Even with the limited mintage of Buffalo nickels that year, neither the 1930 nor 1930-S Buffalo nickel is considered scarce, in relative terms at least. In fact, either can be bought for less then $2 in Good to Very Good grades. Even uncirculated specimens are reasonably priced, at around $40 to $50 for a Mint State example. The 'uncirculated' Buffalo nickel pictured is high on the want lists of collectors and rare coin dealers. With nice starting value the 1930 Buffalo nickel is a little treasure to find in your box of old coins. Buffalo Nickel 1913–1938 The Buffalo Nickel was part of president Theodore Roosevelt's Renaissance of American Coinage, which set out to bring new life to the designs of U.S. Designed by sculptor James Earl Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was followed by the current Jefferson Nickel.
The Indian Head, commonly called the 'Buffalo Nickel' is the most known and collected US nickel. Made to replace the Liberty Head or 'V' nickel, the Buffalo nickel was put into production in 1913. The Buffalo Nickel enjoyed a 25-year production run that ended in 1938.
James Fraser was the designer of the entire coin, with his design having been approved for production in 1912. The design focused heavily on Native American tradition, with both a Native American and American Bison as the main design elements. This design was a hit with consumers and saw great popularity with collectors.
On the obverse, a Native American bust faces to the right. Two feathers can be found in the Native American's hair. The date can be found on the bust's right shoulder and the word 'LIBERTY' is near the right rim.
The reverse features a standing American buffalo that was reportedly modeled after Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo. The mottos 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' can be found above the bison. Under the bison, the denomination 'FIVE CENTS' can be found.
One change to the Buffalo Nickel design did occur in 1913 after it was found that the mound on which the Bison was standing on wore away quickly. This mound was changed to a flat line to help reduce the amount of wear that occurred.
If you would like to know more about the Buffalo Nickel or other rare and collectible nickels, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Nickels.
History of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel
Mintage figures reported by the US Mint at Philadelphia totaled 22,849,000 pieces struck. This was a slightly lower mintage than other years, which may be contributed to the ongoing Great Depression.
An issue that seemed to be present on 1930 Buffalo Nickels was that most examples had a weak strike. This made some details of the coin appear flat or slightly weak. Examples that exhibit a much stronger strike are sought regularly by collectors.
Many mint state examples exist for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel, as collectors stored many rolls. Even these mint state examples may have weak strikes.
Like all other Buffalo Nickels, the 1930 Buffalo Nickel was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Each has a diameter of 21.2 mm and weight of 5.0 grams. No reeding is present on the edges.
Collecting the 1930 & Other Buffalo Nickels
Most collectors love to collect Buffalo Nickels as they are a perfect mix of value and beauty. Starting a Buffalo Nickel Collection is simple and affordable.
Folders and books can be purchased to help organize and display a collection. Another option is to just use coin rolls commonly found at a bank to help protect a collection.
Later date Buffalo Nickels can be purchased in average condition for around $2.00. This entry point makes Buffalo Nickel collecting something that anyone can do! Some semi-key and key dates will cost much more, but filler examples can be had for reasonable prices.
Be sure to check out your local coin dealer to help start your collection of Buffalo Nickels. Online shops may have some Buffalo Nickels at better prices, but it is much harder to judge a coin's condition from pictures online.
Value of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel
Since the mintage figure for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel was slightly lower than other years of the series, the prices are slightly higher for high grades. Lower grades still have a much lower value as many examples can be found in the lower grades.
'Good' condition examples are commonly found priced around $1.25, and 'Fine' condition examples are around $1.50. 'Extremely Fine' condition 1930 Buffalo Nickels retail at $11.
1930 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse
High grades are where the prices of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel increase very quickly. MS-60 examples are valued at $34 and MS-63 examples are worth $62. Almost 1,200 examples have been graded in MS-65 condition by PCGS, yet prices still remain at $230.
For a coin that is over 80 years old, a base price of $1.25 shows just how much demand there is for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel. Even Uncirculated pieces command a large price tag, despite a large amount remaining in uncirculated condition.
Indian Head Nickel - Line Type
One change to the Buffalo Nickel design did occur in 1913 after it was found that the mound on which the Bison was standing on wore away quickly. This mound was changed to a flat line to help reduce the amount of wear that occurred.
If you would like to know more about the Buffalo Nickel or other rare and collectible nickels, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Nickels.
History of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel
Mintage figures reported by the US Mint at Philadelphia totaled 22,849,000 pieces struck. This was a slightly lower mintage than other years, which may be contributed to the ongoing Great Depression.
An issue that seemed to be present on 1930 Buffalo Nickels was that most examples had a weak strike. This made some details of the coin appear flat or slightly weak. Examples that exhibit a much stronger strike are sought regularly by collectors.
Many mint state examples exist for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel, as collectors stored many rolls. Even these mint state examples may have weak strikes.
Like all other Buffalo Nickels, the 1930 Buffalo Nickel was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Each has a diameter of 21.2 mm and weight of 5.0 grams. No reeding is present on the edges.
Collecting the 1930 & Other Buffalo Nickels
Most collectors love to collect Buffalo Nickels as they are a perfect mix of value and beauty. Starting a Buffalo Nickel Collection is simple and affordable.
Folders and books can be purchased to help organize and display a collection. Another option is to just use coin rolls commonly found at a bank to help protect a collection.
Later date Buffalo Nickels can be purchased in average condition for around $2.00. This entry point makes Buffalo Nickel collecting something that anyone can do! Some semi-key and key dates will cost much more, but filler examples can be had for reasonable prices.
Be sure to check out your local coin dealer to help start your collection of Buffalo Nickels. Online shops may have some Buffalo Nickels at better prices, but it is much harder to judge a coin's condition from pictures online.
Value of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel
Since the mintage figure for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel was slightly lower than other years of the series, the prices are slightly higher for high grades. Lower grades still have a much lower value as many examples can be found in the lower grades.
'Good' condition examples are commonly found priced around $1.25, and 'Fine' condition examples are around $1.50. 'Extremely Fine' condition 1930 Buffalo Nickels retail at $11.
1930 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse
High grades are where the prices of the 1930 Buffalo Nickel increase very quickly. MS-60 examples are valued at $34 and MS-63 examples are worth $62. Almost 1,200 examples have been graded in MS-65 condition by PCGS, yet prices still remain at $230.
For a coin that is over 80 years old, a base price of $1.25 shows just how much demand there is for the 1930 Buffalo Nickel. Even Uncirculated pieces command a large price tag, despite a large amount remaining in uncirculated condition.
Indian Head Nickel - Line Type
What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):
| Good (G-4) | Very Good (VG-8) | Fine (F-12) | Very Fine (VF-20) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Uncirculated (MS-60) | Uncirculated (MS-63) | Proof (PR-63) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.36 | $1.63 | $2.67 | $4.30 | $12 | $22 | $37 | $79 | - |
USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1930 Buffalo Nickel is Worth $1.63 in Average Condition and can be Worth $37 to $79 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.
MELT VALUE: $0.0524
1930 Buffalo Nickel Copy
82 items found
1936 Indian Head Nickel Value
- Seller: fiveocoinco
Condition: Xf++ - Seller: jameson11
Condition: Fine - $1.20
- $2.85
or Best Offer
Free Shipping - $2.49
- $0.99
- $2.49
- $2.49
- $2.49
- Seller: tecoins
Condition: VF30 - Seller: tecoins
Condition: VF30 - Seller: jameson11
Condition: Fine - $1.25
- Seller: parroro1628
Certification Agency: US Mint
Certification Number: Uncertified
Condition: Good - Seller: schmt1
- $80.00
Free Shipping - $2.45
- I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: F+ - I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: VG - I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: VG - I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: VG - I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: VG - I have never and will never clean my coins. Every coin is as I received it.Seller: Wizardman
Condition: VG - Seller: AMCoinshop
Condition: FINE - Seller: tecoins
Condition: EF45
1930 Buffalo Nickel Worth
