1925 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1925 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, celebrated for its rugged, uniquely American aesthetic designed by James Earle Fraser. It is highly collectible for its depiction of a composite Native American chief and a bison modeled after a resident of the New York Zoological Park.

What Is 1925 Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1925 Buffalo Nickel is $10 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a mint mark, as 1925-S and 1925-D issues are generally scarcer than Philadelphia strikes.
• Overall strike quality, particularly the visibility of the date which is often worn flat on Buffalo Nickels.
• Surface preservation and the absence of scratches, cleaning, or environmental damage.
• The level of detail remaining on the bison's tail and the Native American's cheekbone.

How to Identify 1925 Buffalo Nickel?

• Verify the 1925 date located on the lower left of the Native American's neck on the obverse.
• Check for the 'S' or 'D' mint mark below the 'FIVE CENTS' text on the reverse, or no mark for Philadelphia.
• Examine the bison's horn and the Native American's hair braid for sharp, distinct detail indicating a high-grade strike.
• Confirm the composition is the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy used during the 1925 production year.

History of 1925 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 coin that was distinctly American, avoiding classical European figures. He used three different Native American chiefs as models for the obverse, and for the reverse, he sketched an American bison from the New York Zoological Park. This coin is highly regarded for its artistic merit and its representation of American history and wildlife.