1923 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1923 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, prized for its rugged, distinctly Western aesthetic designed by James Earle Fraser. This specific year is highly collectible as it represents a mid-series issue featuring the iconic composite portrait of three Native American chiefs and a full-standing American bison.

What affects the value of 1923 Buffalo Nickel?

• The visibility of the four digits in the 1923 date, as this area is prone to heavy wear.
• The presence of a mint mark, such as 'S' for San Francisco or 'D' for Denver, which can significantly increase value over the Philadelphia strike.
• The level of detail remaining on the bison's horn and the Native American's hair braids.
• Overall surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches or environmental corrosion.

How to Identify 1923 Buffalo Nickel?

• Check the obverse for the 1923 date located on the lower left, just below the Native American's neck.
• Verify the 'F' designer mark for James Earle Fraser located under the date.
• Examine the reverse for the American bison standing on a flat ground line, which was the standard 'Type 2' design for this era.
• Look for the mint mark (if any) below the words 'FIVE CENTS' on the reverse side.

History of 1923 Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. The coin's design was a departure from the more classical figures often seen on U.S. coinage, aiming to capture a distinctly American theme. The Native American depicted is a composite of three different chiefs: Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons. The reverse side originally featured a full-standing American bison, though wear often obscured the details, leading to variations in the coin's appearance over time.