Price Guide for 1924 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: $12.00 – $2,232.50Uncirculated: $1.05 – $25,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.60 – $950.00Uncirculated: $31.00 – $2,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $37,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $4,320.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $105,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $2,999.99Uncirculated: $1,770.00 – $16,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $3,150.00Uncirculated: $3,750.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.00 – $763.75Uncirculated: $4.75 – $44,063.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.99 – $525.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $4,163.25
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $12,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1924 Nickel
The 1924 Buffalo Nickel is part of the iconic series that ran from 1913 to 1938. This coin represents a pivotal piece of American numismatic history, showcasing the nation’s Native American heritage and wildlife. The Buffalo Nickel was designed to replace the Liberty Head nickel and was part of the early 20th-century movement to beautify American coinage.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Native American, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | American Bison (buffalo) standing on a mound, designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1924 Buffalo Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to the coin’s design, the date and the buffalo’s horn were prone to wear, making well-preserved specimens highly desirable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable.
The strike quality is particularly important for Buffalo Nickels. Well-struck coins with full horn detail on the buffalo are highly prized. Additionally, coins with attractive, original luster and minimal contact marks are sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 21,620,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with type set collectors
Mintage: 5,258,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage
Mintage: 1,437,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially in better grades
Toning can significantly affect the value of 1924 Buffalo Nickels. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable than those without toning. However, any signs of cleaning or artificial toning can severely decrease a coin’s value.
For the 1924-S in particular, its status as a key date in the series makes it valuable even in lower grades. Collectors often seek this date to complete their sets, driving up demand and prices.
Lastly, the presence of a full strike on the buffalo’s horn is a crucial factor in determining the coin’s value, especially for higher-grade specimens. Coins with a complete horn detail can command significant premiums over those with weak strikes.
