Price Guide for 1914 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $1.35 – $30,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $600.00Uncirculated: $22.49 – $1,255.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $75.00Uncirculated: $85.00 – $31,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $155.00 – $3,565.00Uncirculated: $863.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $675.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $1,995.00 – $7,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $2,450.00Uncirculated: $2,650.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $32,775.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $539.55Uncirculated: $163.50 – $1,830.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $465.00Uncirculated: $525.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $1,208.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $46,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.51 – $325.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $40,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $235.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $1,560.00Uncirculated: $1,292.50 – $4,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $605.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $3,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $390.00 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $2,200.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $49,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $330.65 – $9,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $38,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1914 Nickel
The 1914 Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, was part of a series first introduced in 1913. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin represented a significant departure from previous designs, showcasing uniquely American imagery. The obverse featured a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs, while the reverse depicted an American bison, popularly called a buffalo.
1914 marked the second year of the Buffalo Nickel’s production, and it was minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. This coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce during the early 20th century and has since become a favorite among collectors for its iconic design and historical significance.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia issues had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Native American, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | American Bison (Buffalo), designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1914 Buffalo Nickel significantly impacts its value. These coins were prone to rapid wear, especially on the high points of the design, such as the Indian’s cheekbone and the buffalo’s horn. As a result, well-preserved specimens are highly prized.
Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable. The strike quality is also crucial, as many 1914 nickels were weakly struck, particularly those from the San Francisco mint. Coins with full horn details on the buffalo are highly sought after.
Original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks or blemishes greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value. Attractive natural toning can also increase appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 20,665,738
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and rapid wear
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,912,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-struck examples
Mintage: 3,470,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade specimens
Mint mark rarity plays a role in valuation, with Denver and San Francisco issues being scarcer and generally more valuable than Philadelphia strikes. The overall eye appeal of the coin, including the quality of the strike, luster, and toning, can significantly influence its market value.
While not considered a key date, the 1914-S in high grades is particularly valuable due to its low survival rate in premium conditions. Collectors also pay attention to the sharpness of details, especially the buffalo’s horn and the Indian’s hair and feathers.
As with many early 20th-century coins, the historical significance and iconic design of the Buffalo Nickel contribute to its enduring popularity among collectors, supporting strong demand and values across all grades.
