1925 Buffalo Nickel Error Coin Sells for $100,000 – Wrong Planchet Shock!

For collectors who admire the craftsmanship of historical coins, the 1925 Buffalo Nickel stands out as a genuine work of art. This remarkable piece showcases an intricate design and carries deep historical roots, making it a prized addition to any serious collection.

Curious about how much this vintage gem is worth? Our in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about the 1925 Buffalo Nickel value.

From its stunning design to its cultural significance, we’ll explore all the essential details of this classic American coin. Let’s jump right in!

1925 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart

Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1925 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value	$3	$7.50	$25	Up to $17,500
1925 “D” Buffalo Nickel Value	$20	$45	$195	Up to $12,000
1925 “S” Buffalo Nickel Value	$7.50	$35	$200	Up to $50,000

1925 Buffalo Nickel Grading

Grading plays a vital role in determining the value and authenticity of a 1925 Buffalo Nickel. The coin’s physical state has a significant influence on its grade, which ranges from Poor to Mint State.

Professional services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) use standardized grading systems to assess a coin’s condition based on its wear, shine, and visual appeal.

Understanding this grading system is crucial for collectors to accurately gauge the value of their coins. Here’s a simplified grading chart:

Grade Number	Grade Name
1	Basal State-1
2	Fair
3	Very Fair
4, 5, 6	Good
7, 8, 10	Very Good
12, 15	Fine
20, 30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60, 65, 70	Mint State

If you’d like to understand how to accurately grade your coin, be sure to check out our grading guide!

1925 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value

The Buffalo Nickel, often referred to as the Indian Head Nickel, was designed by James Earle Fraser and first released in 1913. Production of this beloved coin continued until 1938. The 1925 issue from the Philadelphia Mint, which lacks a mint mark, remains a highly collectible piece thanks to its design and historical backdrop.

The obverse displays a composite portrait inspired by three Native American leaders: Chief Iron Tail, Chief Two Moons, and Chief John Big Tree. The reverse showcases an American bison, believed to have been modeled after “Black Diamond,” a buffalo from New York City’s Central Park Zoo.

Fraser, a student of the famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, incorporated his artistic mastery into the design. The Buffalo Nickel is often praised as one of the most visually stunning coins in U.S. history.

This particular coin reflects an era of significant societal shifts. Minted in 1925, it arrived just a year after the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, during the transformative and prosperous decade known as the Roaring Twenties.

A total of 35,565,100 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickels were struck that year in Philadelphia. Despite this large mintage, the coin’s distinct design and historical ties ensure its lasting appeal.

Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the coin weighs 5 grams and measures 21.2 mm in diameter.

Depending on its condition, a 1925 No Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel could fetch as little as $3 or as much as $17,500 for an uncirculated, high-grade specimen.

1925 “D” Buffalo Nickel Value

The 1925 “D” Buffalo Nickel, minted in Denver, is another gem in this historic series. Featuring the same iconic design by James Earle Fraser, this version is set apart by the small “D” mint mark located below the denomination on the coin’s reverse.

Fraser is said to have observed the buffalo “Black Diamond” in person at the Central Park Zoo before designing the reverse, adding a personal touch to the depiction.

Only 4,450,000 examples were produced at the Denver Mint, making this variant relatively scarce. The coin retains the same physical characteristics as the Philadelphia version: 5 grams in weight, a diameter of 21.2 mm, and a cupronickel composition.

The value of a 1925 “D” Buffalo Nickel is largely determined by its condition. Worn specimens might sell for a few dollars, while an uncirculated coin can command prices of up to $12,000. Exceptional examples, such as a coin graded MS66, have even sold for as much as $57,500 at auction.

1925 “S” Buffalo Nickel Value

Struck in San Francisco, the 1925 “S” Buffalo Nickel is especially sought after for its limited mintage and captivating design. Fraser’s artwork once again blends Native American culture and wildlife into a coin that both honors and reflects American history.

Only 6,256,000 of these coins were produced, giving the “S” mint mark Buffalo Nickel a sense of rarity. Slight differences in strike quality and the curvature of design elements make these San Francisco-minted nickels distinctive from their Denver and Philadelphia siblings.

Depending on condition, a Fine-12 grade might be worth around $35, while an MS-63 grade example can exceed $1,375. Auction prices for pristine or rare variations can soar, with one such coin reaching $3,840 at auction in February 2023.

The “S” mint version not only offers historical value but also reflects the exceptional craftsmanship of the San Francisco Mint.

Rare 1925 Buffalo Nickel Errors List

Clipped Planchet Error
A clipped planchet error happens when the metal sheet used for creating blanks is improperly cut, leaving a section of the coin’s edge missing. These errors can range from minor clips to large, crescent-shaped gaps. Such defects often increase the coin’s value by several hundred dollars, depending on the extent of the error.

Off-Center Error
This minting mistake occurs when the coin is struck while the blank is improperly aligned, causing the design to shift away from the center. The value of these coins generally rises with the severity of the misalignment, and off-center errors up to 50% are especially desirable to collectors.

Struck on a Ten-Cent Silver Planchet Error
In rare cases, a 1925 Buffalo Nickel was mistakenly struck on a dime’s silver planchet instead of a nickel’s. This error results in a coin with different weight and shine. Due to its extreme rarity, examples in excellent condition have sold for more than $100,000.

Where to Sell Your 1925 Buffalo Nickel

Now that you know your coin’s potential value, you might be wondering where to sell it. Numerous platforms allow you to appraise and sell coins, and it’s wise to research their pros and cons before making a choice.

Looking for a reliable coin dealer in your area? We’ve compiled a list of top-rated dealers with customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

1925 Buffalo Nickel FAQs