Price Guide for 1917 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: $10.00 – $236.00Uncirculated: $0.80 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $212.55Uncirculated: $36.56 – $6,670.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $998.75Uncirculated: $3.30 – $138,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.66 – $1,299.00Uncirculated: $21.50 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $22.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $36,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $675.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.30 – $964.00Uncirculated: $178.29 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $535.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $71.00 – $3,290.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $7,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $27.01 – $510.00Uncirculated: $670.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $1,725.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.99 – $1,755.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,775.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $10,925.00 – $11,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $179.99 – $1,045.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $1,625.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $242.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $2,040.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $123.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $2,056.25
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $271.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $101.05 – $129.25
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eBayCirculated: $70.00 – $161.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $400.00
Design and Specifications of the 1917 Nickel
The 1917 Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is part of a series that began in 1913 and continued until 1938. This iconic design by James Earle Fraser is considered one of the most distinctly American coin designs ever produced. The year 1917 saw the United States’ entry into World War I, adding historical significance to coins minted during this period.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile 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 1917 Buffalo Nickels significantly impacts their value. These coins saw heavy circulation, making high-grade examples particularly valuable. Key factors include:
1. Horn details on the buffalo, often worn down
2. Sharpness of the Indian’s features on the obverse
3. Overall luster and absence of major marks or scratches
Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, especially MS65 and above, command substantial premiums due to their rarity.
Mintage: 51,424,019
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: 9,910,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,193,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Several factors can enhance the value of 1917 Buffalo Nickels:
1. Full Strike: Well-struck coins with full horn details on the buffalo are highly prized.
2. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can increase desirability among collectors.
3. San Francisco Mint: The lower mintage S-mint coins are generally more valuable, especially in higher grades.
4. Die State: Early die state examples with sharp details can command premiums.
5. Historical Significance: As a World War I era coin, some collectors place additional value on 1917 issues.
