1927 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1927 Buffalo Nickel is a cornerstone of the Indian Head series, celebrated for James Earle Fraser's iconic composite portrait of three Native American chiefs. This 1920s-era copper-nickel coin remains a favorite among numismatists for its rugged, quintessentially American design and historical connection to the spirit of the West.

What Is 1927 Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1927 Buffalo Nickel is $18 - $22 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and Grade: Higher preservation of the bison's horn and the Native American's hair detail significantly impacts the $18-$22 price range.
• Mint Mark: While the Philadelphia strike is common, examples from the Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) mints often command higher premiums.
• Luster: Original mint frost and a lack of heavy circulation wear are primary drivers for top-tier valuations.
• Strike Quality: Full, sharp strikes that show complete detail on the bison's tail and the date are more desirable to collectors.

How to Identify 1927 Buffalo Nickel?

• Verify the 1927 date located on the lower left of the obverse, below the Native American profile.
• Check the reverse for the American bison standing on a flat ground line, which was the Type 2 design standard for this year.
• Look for the 'F' designer's initial below the date, representing sculptor James Earle Fraser.
• Examine the mint mark location below the words 'FIVE CENTS' on the reverse; 1927 coins may be plain (Philadelphia), 'D' (Denver), or 'S' (San Francisco).

History of 1927 Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. It replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was intended to honor and depict the spirit of the American West. Fraser famously stated that the image on the obverse was a composite portrait derived from three different Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Chief John Big Tree. The reverse features an American bison, though whether the model was Black Diamond of the Bronx Zoo or another animal remains debated among numismatists.