Price Guide for 1915 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 – $74.00Uncirculated: $1.40 – $5,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.55 – $999.99Uncirculated: $19.99 – $2,829.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $20.00 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $2.60 – $55,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $6.55 – $847.00Uncirculated: $1.99 – $8,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $324.00Uncirculated: $2.65 – $20,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $385.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $4,505.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $315.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $182.13 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $587.00 – $4,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $385.00 – $1,249.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $376.00 – $1,092.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $69,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $910.00 – $4,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $775.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $199.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $775.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $1,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $325.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $382.00 – $1,703.75
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eBayCirculated: $215.00 – $314.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $1,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1915 Nickel
The 1915 Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, was part of a series that began in 1913 and continued until 1938. This coin represents a significant departure from previous designs, showcasing distinctly American imagery and reflecting the nation’s fascination with the Old West and Native American culture.
The year 1915 was notable as it fell during World War I, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. The Buffalo Nickel’s rugged, distinctly American design served as a symbol of national identity during this turbulent period in world history.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco); No mint mark for Philadelphia |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of a Native American chief, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | American bison (buffalo) standing on a mound, designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1915 Buffalo Nickels. These coins were prone to wear, especially on the high points of the design, such as the Indian’s cheekbone and the buffalo’s horn and shoulder.
Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. The presence of full horn detail on the buffalo is particularly important for high-grade specimens and can significantly increase value.
Luster and overall eye appeal are also important factors. Coins with original mint luster and attractive, even toning tend to command higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 20,987,270
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 7,569,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 1,505,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved examples
Mint mark rarity is a significant factor for 1915 Buffalo Nickels. The San Francisco (S) mint coins are the scarcest and most valuable in the series for this year, followed by Denver (D), with Philadelphia being the most common.
Strike quality can vary among 1915 nickels, with well-struck examples commanding a premium. This is particularly true for the San Francisco mint coins, which often have weaker strikes.
While not as prone to major errors as some other series, any significant mint errors or die varieties could potentially increase a coin’s value substantially. However, such occurrences are rare for 1915 Buffalo Nickels.
Lastly, provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples. Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections or appearing in important auctions may command a premium.
