Price Guide for 1919 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: $8.00 – $316.00Uncirculated: $1.05 – $19,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $275.00Uncirculated: $14.60 – $1,424.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $95.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $19,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $330.00 – $2,577.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $975.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $109,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $843.31Uncirculated: $350.00 – $2,651.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $432.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $129.99 – $167.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $475.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $564.00 – $2,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.50 – $185.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $1,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $50.00 – $499.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $5,581.00
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eBayCirculated: $39.00 – $657.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $760.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $960.00Uncirculated: $12,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1919 Nickel
The 1919 Buffalo Nickel, also known as the 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 year 1919 was notable as it marked the first full year of peace following World War I, a period of economic readjustment in the United States.
| 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 | Profile of Native American, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | American Bison (Buffalo), designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for 1919 Buffalo Nickels, as many were heavily circulated. Coins in higher mint state grades (MS63 and above) command significant premiums. The softness of the design, particularly on the buffalo’s horn and Native American’s hair details, means that even slight wear can significantly impact the grade and value.
Full strike examples with sharp details on the buffalo’s horn and tail are highly sought after. Luster preservation is also a key factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being particularly valuable.
Mintage: 60,868,000
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: 8,006,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 7,521,000
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 well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. For the 1919 issue, Denver and San Francisco mintages are generally more valuable due to their lower production numbers.
The presence of a clear mint mark (D or S) is important, as these can wear off easily on circulated coins. Coins with full horn details on the buffalo are especially desirable to collectors. Additionally, any examples showing die clashes or interesting die states may carry a premium for variety collectors.
