In this blog, we will look at what makes the 5 cent 1927 Buffalo Nickel valuable and its potential current value. It will explore basic specifications to history regardless of whether you are a coin collector or just interested in historical events.
The US Mint has been creating an extensive collection of coins since longer period of its remarkable history, that are valuable to collectors. Although the US Mint produces a wide variety of coins, 5-cent pieces are among the most valued by collectors. Produced in the early 1900s, the Buffalo Nickel is undoubtedly one of the most well-known 5-cent coins.
Naturally, it is pretty challenging to obtain a high grade Buffalo Nickel as it was coined so long ago. Furthermore, it becomes very challenging for a collector to locate a 1927 Buffalo Nickel in excellent condition as it was in circulation when issued.
| Mintage | 37,981,000 |
| Minted at | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) |
| Designer - Engraver | James Earle Fraser |
| Metal Composition | 75% Copper - 25% Nickel |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mass / Weight | 5 grams |
| Face Value | 5 Cents ($0.50) |
One thing that adds to the 1927 Buffalo Nickel is their period of mintage. They were first started in 1913 and till 1938. In 1911, the plan to produce these nickels with a new design was started.
Even before that period, when President Theodore Roosevelt made the decision to improve the esthetic quality of American coinage in 1904, Augustus Saint-Gaudens was given the responsibility of redesigning as many pieces as was legally possible.
Other sculptors carried on the renowned sculptor's work after his death in 1909. James Earle Fraser, the man behind the Buffalo nickels, was one of them. He began designing a one-cent coin, but in 1912, he modified the original concept and completed a new five-cent coin.
|
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1927 no mint mark nickel | 37,981,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1927 special strike nickel | 5 |
| San Francisco | 1927 S nickel | 3,430,000 |
| Denver | 1927 D nickel | 5,730,000 |
| Total | / | 47,141,005 |
Issues with these coins have existed from the very beginning. Due to their machines' inability to detect counterfeit nickels, the Hobbs Manufacturing Company ordered their alternation.
On February 22, 1913, coins were then released as a present for Native American chiefs who were present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future National American Indian Memorial. Regretfully, the monument was never constructed.
When new coins were introduced into circulation and began to wear out too soon, the situation deteriorated. In addition, compared to previous coin production, the dies were failing three times more frequently.
After this nickel became famous in 1938 as Buffalo Nickel was replaced by Jefferson Nickel, most numismatists appeared contented though they had mixed opinions.
You can determine the 1927 Buffalo nickel value by closely examining its condition, as is the case with other antique coins. People are giving more value to 1927 buffalo nickel coins when they are in uncirculated condition. While the coins with circulated condition may get the lesser value.
To understand the 1927 buffalo nickel value better, you can explore the following tables. These tables have proper statistical data associated with a coin's value, along with various types of coins.
| Details | Value Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | 37,981 000 (Highest of the year) | |
| Circulated Coins | $0.45 to $25 | |
|
|
||
| MS 60 | $30 to $36 | |
| MS 61 | $33 to $39.60 | |
| MS 62 | $44 to $52.80 | |
| MS 63 | $66 to $79.20 | |
| MS 64 | $110 to $132 | |
| MS 65 | $220 to $260 | |
| MS 66 | $420 to $504 | |
| MS 67 | $2,700 to $3,800 ($24,000 in 2019’s Auction) | |
| Special Strike Nickel (SP 65) | $47,150 (2009 Auction) | |
| Details | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Special strike nickels minted in 1927 on chromium-plated dies. | Not widely known; no standard value due to rarity. |
| Only five pieces struck by the Philadelphia Mint. | Rare; high collector value. |
| NGC certified three coins; Jim Halperin purchased them at a coin show. | - |
| One coin (SP 65 grade) was sold at auction in 2009. | $47,150 |
| Details | Value Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | 5,730,000 | |
| Circulated Coins | $2 to $88 | |
| AU Graded Coins | $100 to $155 | |
|
|
||
| MS 60 to MS 64 | $215 to $900 | |
| MS 65 | $4,250 | |
| MS 66 | $17,000 to $22,500 (Auction: $46,000 in 2005) | |
| Details | Value Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | 3,430,000 (lowest of the year) | |
| Circulated Coins | $1.25 to $115 | |
| About Circulated (AU) Coins | $180 to $510 | |
|
|
||
| MS 60 | $725 | |
| MS 61 | $1,000 | |
| MS 62 | $1,700 | |
| MS 63 | $2,400 | |
| MS 64 | $4,000 | |
| MS 65 | $13,000 | |
| MS 66 | $65,000 to $80,000 (Auction: $125,350 in 2008) | |
These are some popular types of nickel coins. Their value varies according to their conditions, rarity and availability. However, the grading of the coin also matters while determining the coin’s value.
For a coin collector, the coin's condition is crucial. It should not be surprising that people are willing to pay a high price simply to obtain one of these finest coins, as nobody wants to add damaged or tarnished coins to their collection.
The procedure, which is used to formally assess a Buffalo Nickel's condition is called coin grading. In most cases, grading is carried out by a recognized grading organization. Given that not everyone has the time or resources to send their coins for grading, the following details outline what to look for on the faces of a graded 1927 Buffalo Nickel.
The coins that get this grading are those coins, which are almost quickly put into safekeeping, after they are minted.
These coins contain excellent shape and show no indications of damage at all since they are protected. The idea that even a little portion of the mint's original sparkle will have survived the years is possibly the most unexpected of all.
A coin that has been in circulation for a brief time is assigned this grade. These coins will look to be in excellent shape overall, yet they may have some minor wear and scratches on both faces. You will have to closely inspect the coin in order to find any indications of wear.
Coins that were in circulation for a brief time but were not destroyed during that period are assigned this grade. There will be noticeable wear and some injury, with most of the wear happening close to the buffalo's front legs and/or the Indian's cheekbone.
As they were in circulation for decades, coins that receive this grade are in the worst possible condition. These coins have sustained significant physical deterioration throughout the years that they have been in circulation, which can range from scratches to chipping and even bending. These coins are reasonably priced in this condition, although they aren't always the most captivating additions to a collection.
If you consider these grades while buying the nickel, you can get the best possible value for single as well as multiple coins. However, there are some nickel coins that may have a lower grade, yet they earn more value than those of high-graded coins. It is due to errors.
The 1927 Buffalo nickels have a number of recognizable error coins in the set, just like the majority of coins produced in the past. As collectors want rare, defective coins, their prices are frequently greater than those of ordinary coins. Below is the list of nickel error coins.
Buffalo nickels are known for their "two feathers" error. Hundreds of dollars are spent on coins that lack the third feather in Indian hair. The San Francisco piece went for $2,280 in 2021, while the most costly piece with the mint mark D brought $400 at an auction in 2017.
A well-known but comparatively uncommon error among nickels struck in Denver in 1927 is the one with three and a half legs. On eBay and at auction, pieces in AU grade swiftly reach $700 to $1,200, while pieces removed from circulation often cost between $80 and $660.
Uncirculated pieces, on the other hand, can be incredibly costly, with an estimated cost of $2,500 to $6,000. The 1927 D MS 62 Buffalo 3 1/2 legs nickel, which brought $7,475 at auction in 2012, was the winner.
Some San Francisco coins are extremely rare and expensive due to duplicate design elements on their obverse. One of these pieces can cost several hundred dollars, but at an auction in 2019, one of these nickels brought in $840.
A few 1927 nickels with a re-punch mint mark error were issued by the Denver mint. Although the auction record is higher, these pieces now fetch about $200. The 1927 D/D XF 40 RPM nickel was purchased by a collector in 2021 for $335.
Considering its scarcity, historical significance, and distinctive appearance, the 1927 Buffalo Nickel is an extraordinary coin for collection. Condition, minting errors, and particular mint marks are among the variables that influence the 1927 Buffalo Nickel value.
While circulated coins are often less valued, coins in perfect, uncirculated condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Certain nickels with errors like "two feathers" or "3 1/2 legs" are highly valued by collectors and frequently command high prices.
Considering these coins' grading and rarity is essential for anyone interested in determining their actual value. If you are one of these collectors and have passion to collect special coins like this, you can simply go with BOLD Precious Metals. Here you will find Baffalo themed gold and silver coins along with a variety of bullion products in different ranges.
Affiliations
Copyright BOLD Precious Metals 2024
