1925 Buffalo Nickel Value: Are "D", "S", No Coin Marks Worth Money? (2023)

Buffalo nickel was not the first nickel minted by the United States government, but it is perhaps one of the most popular. Commonly known as Indian Head Nickels, these coins are among the best collectibles in American history.

They are notable for their symbolism relating to America in the early 20th century. They are also beloved by numismatists for their unique and beautiful design and their rarity, especially in uncirculated condition.

Here we will examine the 1925 Buffalo Nickel, including its details, value, history, classification and errors.

Buffalo 1925 nickel details

• Categoria: Buffalo Five Cents
• Mints: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco
• Edition: 49,271,100
• Designer: James Earl Fraser
• Metal Composition: Copper-Nickel
• fineness: 75
• Diameter: 2mm
• Weight: 5 grams
• Rand: Suave

Designed by James Earle Fraser, the 1925 Buffalo Nickel is a beautiful coin that weighs just 5g or 0.1764 ounces. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This blend of metals gives nickel its unique color and feel.

forward

On the obverse, the 1925 Buffalo Nickel features a portrait of a Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress.

According to the coin's creator, he wanted to create something that would reflect American culture. And what better way to do that than to put a North American Indian's face on the front?

Interestingly, the Indian profile does not belong to any specific person. Instead, the sculptor combined several features of indigenous chiefs, includingiron tail,two moons, and Big Tree. Because of this, the nickel front looks realistic and detailed.

The word FREEDOM is engraved in the upper left part of the portrait. The date falls on the Native American's shoulder.

the reversal

The coin's obverse depicts an American bison standing on a raised embankment. The bison symbolizes the native beauty of the Old West.

Coin collectors believed that Fraser identified a bull bison named Black Diamond, which lived in New York City's Central Park Zoo, as the primary pattern for the reverse. However, there is limited information to support this claim.

Fraser believed that Buffalo was the perfect choice to represent the American spirit and showcase the wildlife that inhabited the West. In addition, it symbolized strength and resilience.

Above the bison are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the edge of the coin. Directly below AMERICA is the mottoOF MANY,which means "one of many". As for the FIVE CENT denomination, it falls on the lower end of the bull.

Although many people loved this design, it caused a lot of recording problems. The reason was that it was difficult to create a matrix that contained all the coin details. For example, the production date and designation of nickel quickly deteriorated.

1925 buffalo nickel value table

1925 Buffalo Nickel Variety and Values ​​Guide

1925 Buffalo Nickel Value "Sem Mintmark"

• Type: Buffalo-Nickel
• Rand: Suave
• I like Mark: n/a
• Edition: 35,565,100
• City: Philadelphia
• Year of issue: 1925
• Valor facial: $ 0,05
• $ Price: $3 to $17,500
• Designer: James Earl Fraser

In 1925, the Philadelphia Mint struck more Buffalo nickels than any other mint. He produced approximately 35,565,100 buffalo coins.

Although the factory produced the finest 1925 buffalo nickels, they looked weak. Most coins had their first two date numbers lower. As a result, the date was downgraded as soon as the coins entered circulation.

This was because the mint's engraving department was unable to create a smooth master obverse. It lacked sharpness and was tucked into the left hairband. This affected the outstanding overall quality of all coins minted in 1925.

All coins minted in Philadelphia in 1925 hadwithout mint mark, like all coins produced at the factory during this period. However, some collectors value coins minted in this city for their historical significance and connection to America's oldest mint.

A 1945 Buffalo nickel in good condition costs about $3. Coins in very good or very good condition can sell for between $5 and $25. However, this value increases to $35 for coins that are not circulated. From new to the best preserved, like the MS67, it can range from $5,000 to $17,500.

1925 "D" value buffalo nickel

• Type: Buffalo-Nickel
• Rand: Suave
• Coin Mark: D
• Edition: 4,450.00
• Minting place: Denver
• Year of issue: 1925
• Valor facial: $ 0,05
• $ Price: $10 to $12,000
• Designer: James Earl Fraser

The Denver Mint minted 4,450,000 Buffalo nickels in 1925. The coin produced here had a small "D" mintmark on the reverse below the face value.

All mints seem to have encountered some problems in 1925. For example, the Denver Mint used worn and eroded dies, resulting in dull coins. The bull's forehead and horn also showed some signs of weakness.

The strong value of all grades of D 1924 nickel reflects the popularity of this coin series and the dearth of high quality specimens.

A good quality 1925-D nickel in circulation can range from $10 to $195, while coins in mint condition can fetch as much as $12,000.

Búfalo Nickelwert 1925 "S"

• Type: Buffalo-Nickel
• Rand: Suave
• check mark
• Circulation: 6,256,000
• Pregeort: San Francisco
• Year of issue: 1925
• Valor facial: $ 0,05
• $ Price: $3 to $50,000
• Designer: James Earl Fraser

Like other mints, the San Francisco Mint faced several challenges during the 1920s that could have resulted in the production of poor quality coins. Such problems include underpaid federal employees, low morale, and worn-out headquarters.

In 1925, the Mint produced only 6,256,000 Buffalo Mint coins marked "S". However, these 1925 nickels are arguably the worst in the Buffalo series.

Most had small bumps and mismatched front and back, making one side look new and the other old. However, there are some high quality buffalo coins from 1925. They tend to carry a high price tag.

In terms of value, a 1925-S Indian coin in good condition can be worth between $5 and $7.50. Extremely fine coins can cost anywhere from $200 to $500. However, the highest quality specimens can fetch a staggering $36,000 or even $50,000.

1925 buffalo nickel history

1904 the presidentTheodore Rooseveltexpressed dissatisfaction with the design of the US currency. As a result, the Mint commissioned the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign all the coins.

But the sculptor only created the eagle and the double-headed eagle on the gold coins before his death in 1907. Other artists drew the double-headed eagle and the double-headed eagle. These coins were put into circulation in 1909.

Fortunately, Liberty Head Nickel (designed by Charles E. Barber), introduced in 1883, had been in circulation for about 25 years. As such, a redesign was due.

Frank Leach, Director of the United States Mint, gave instructions to Chief Engraver Charles. And Barberto creates a new design for Nickel. The new design featured the first American president, George Washington. However, the Mint has never issued the coins since Leach stepped down and was succeeded by Abram Andrew.

Under Andrea's leadershipSculptor James Earle Fraser, assistant to Saint-Gaudens, was commissioned to replace the coin's design. But in 1911 George Roberts replaced Andrew as the new director of the mint. Initially, George preferred a coin design featuring Abraham Lincoln.

However, Fraser introduced a new coin design featuring a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. Although it took some time for Fraser's design to be approved, the secretary authorized the sculptor in July 1912.

In June 1912, Fraser completed the electric models and types. Production of the Buffalo coin series began in February 1913. Some coins were minted and distributed to Native American chiefs who helped create the design.

In March 1913, Buffalo nickels entered circulation and received high praise from Americans, who believed that the coins represented the American spirit and themes. Over the years, Indian Head Nickels has gone through many changes. For example, in 1916, the word LIBERTY was slightly changed and given more emphasis.

However, this series of coins had many problems alongside the Liberty Head coins. The masters were quickly running out and the recording department was scrambling to make new masters to keep up with the production. Furthermore, within a few months of circulation, the coin's date and face value disappeared, rendering the nickel unreadable.

The problem with life and weak stroke persisted with all series of Buffalo coins, including the 1925 Buffalo coins. However, coins were minted in the tens of millions at three United States mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and St. Francis.

After 25 years of production, Jefferson nickel replaced Indian Head nickel in January 1938.

1925 classification of buffalo nickel

It is important to note that the classification of the 1925 Buffalo Nickel depends on the condition, rarity and unique characteristics of the coin. Below are some grades used to describe the condition of an Indian Head Nickel:

• Good (G): The nickel is in poor condition with signs of wear and tear and significant damage. Some details are barely visible, as the date and denomination are blurred.
• Fine (F): Fineness refers to coins with signs of use from circulation. They have several scratches on the surface, but some design details are still visible.
• Extremely Fine (EF or XF): 1925 Buffalo Nickel shows some surface scratches but retains its design detail and original shine.
• Uncirculated (UNC): An uncirculated coin has never been in circulation. It has no signs of use and maintains its original shine.

1925 buffalo nickel bug

Buffalo nickel cut planchet error of 1.1925

A trimmed tray error occurs when the empty tray strip is not trimmed correctly or has a part missing. When this blank sheet is embossed with the dies, the resulting coins lack a curved metal area.

On the 1925 Buffalo Nickel, the severity of this defect can vary in severity from a small clip to a significant part of the coin's missing edge. One such coin with a 4% trimmed plate sold for $195.

2.1925 Buffalo Nickel error off center

Offset error refers to an inaccuracy made during the stamping process. This occurs when chips are not properly centered or aligned, causing the nickel design to deviate from center.

As with the trimmed planchet error, the degree of concentricity varies with 1925 nickel. Some coins might be 5% off center, while others might be 50% off center. In general, the more leaky a coin is, the more valuable it is.

A 1925 Buffalo Nickel with 5% off center can sell for $575. Those that are 25% off center can go for as much as $900.

3.1925 Buffalo nickel rotated inverse error

Another error worth checking out is the reverse rotation error. The error occurs when the inverted cube rotates around its vertical axis, resulting in an inverted coin toss.

Reverse rotation error can significantly increase the value of a coin because it is rare. However, the coin's value depends on its condition, the severity of the flaw, and collectors' demand.

An overturned 1925 Buffalo nickel can sell for $800 or more.

4.1925 Buffalo Nickel minted on a ten cent silver clipboard error

In this error, the 1925 Buffalo nickel is minted on a silver clipboard in place of a nickel. The error results in a 1925 nickel with a different metal composition, brightness, and weight.

Since this error is quite rare, the coin can hit a high price. Some coins can sell for as much as $4,800.

1925 Buffalo Nickel FAQ

How much is a 1925 Buffalo Nickel worth?

Currently, 1925 Buffalo coins in circulation range from $3 to $200, but mint coins can sell for upwards of $275 or $20,000, depending on rarity.

Where is the mint mark on the 1925 Buffalo nickel?

The United States government coined Buffalo Nickels in 1925 in three places: Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint did not add mintmarks to its coins. However, Denver nickels had a "D" mint mark and those from the San Francisco mint came with an "S" mint mark.

Are Buffalo Nickels pure silver?

The Civil War of 1861-1865 forced people to hoard silver and gold coins. As a result, the US Mint.didn't have enough money to create coinsand make up for the lack of money.

As a solution, they created a new metallic composition for nickel: 75% copper and 25% nickel. This precious metal made daily trade in goods and services possible.

Also, Buffalo coins are made from copper and nickel. They do not contain silver.