Price Guide for 1923 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: $16.00 – $92.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $771.44Uncirculated: $11.50 – $5,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $77.00Uncirculated: $87.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $3.75 – $67,563.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.76 – $548.00Uncirculated: $315.00 – $6,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1923 Nickel
The 1923 Buffalo Nickel is part of the iconic series that ran from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin represents a significant piece of American numismatic history. The Buffalo Nickel was created to replace the Liberty Head nickel and was part of the early 20th century’s artistic renaissance in American coinage.
1923 was a year of relatively low mintage for the Buffalo Nickel, making coins from this year more desirable to collectors compared to some other years in the series.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Native American, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | Buffalo (American Bison) standing on a mound, designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1923 Buffalo Nickel significantly impacts its value. These coins often suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the buffalo’s horn and the Indian’s hair details. Well-struck examples with full horn detail are highly prized by collectors and can command substantial premiums.
Due to the coin’s design, the date and mint mark were the highest points and prone to wear. As a result, many circulated examples have weak or partial dates, which can affect their value. Coins in uncirculated condition, especially those grading MS65 or higher, are considerably rarer and more valuable.
Mintage: 35,715,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes common to the series
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-struck examples
Mintage: 6,142,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above, especially with full horn detail
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Luster and toning play crucial roles in determining a 1923 Buffalo Nickel’s desirability. Coins with original mint luster and attractive, natural toning are highly sought after by collectors. The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, with sharply struck coins commanding significant premiums.
The San Francisco mint coins from this year are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage. Additionally, any examples showing die clashes, repunched mint marks, or other minor varieties can be of interest to specialized collectors and may carry a premium.
