1924 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, featuring James Earle Fraser's iconic design of a Native American chief and an American bison. While common in circulated grades, this specific year is highly sought after by collectors for its historical connection to models Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree.

What Is 1924 Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1924 Buffalo Nickel is $2 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and grade, as 1924 strikes are frequently found with flat details due to worn dies during production.
• The presence of a clear, readable date, which is often the first feature to wear away on Buffalo Nickels.
• Luster and strike sharpness, particularly on the Native American's hair braid and the bison's shoulder.
• Market demand for Philadelphia mint examples compared to the scarcer 'S' or 'D' mint marks of the same year.

How to Identify 1924 Buffalo Nickel?

• Verify the 1924 date located on the lower left of the obverse, just above the neck of the Native American profile.
• Check for the absence of a mint mark under the 'FIVE CENTS' text on the reverse, indicating a Philadelphia strike.
• Examine the horn and tail of the bison; authentic 1924 strikes often show significant die wear in these high-relief areas.
• Confirm the composition is a standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy with a diameter of 21.2mm.

History of 1924 Buffalo Nickel

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938. Fraser used three different Native American models to create the composite profile: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree. The 1924 Philadelphia strike is known for being relatively common in lower grades but difficult to find with sharp details due to die wear.