1918-D Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is a highly sought-after key date coin designed by James Earle Fraser to capture the spirit of the American frontier. Minted in Denver, this copper-nickel piece is prized for its lower mintage figures and its iconic depiction of a Native American chief and the bison Black Diamond.

What Is 1918-D Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The visibility of the date is critical, as 1918-D nickels often suffer from 'acid-dating' which lowers value significantly.
• Overall strike quality, particularly the detail remaining on the buffalo's horn and the Native American's hair braid.
• The presence of original mint luster, which can push the value toward the higher end of the $100-$150 range.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches, corrosion, or environmental damage to the copper-nickel alloy.

How to Identify 1918-D Buffalo Nickel?

• Check for the 'D' mint mark located on the reverse side, positioned just below the words 'FIVE CENTS'.
• Verify the date '1918' on the obverse, which is located on the shoulder of the Native American portrait.
• Examine the horn and tail of the buffalo on the reverse; authentic specimens show specific wear patterns consistent with the 1918 Denver strike.
• Look for the designer's initial 'F' located under the date, signifying James Earle Fraser's work.

History of 1918-D Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. Fraser aimed to create a truly American coin, avoiding European heraldry. He claimed three different Native American chiefs posed for the portrait: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Kiowa). The buffalo on the reverse is widely believed to be Black Diamond, a well-known bison from the Central Park Zoo. The 1918-D issue is considered a 'key date' due to its lower mintage compared to other years and mints, making it particularly sought after by collectors.