Price Guide for 1925 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: $9.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $6.30 – $87,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $699.99Uncirculated: $273.88 – $13,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $775.00Uncirculated: $875.00 – $150,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $32,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.33 – $97.25Uncirculated: $31.00 – $4,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $2.15 – $57,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $574.99Uncirculated: $345.00 – $3,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $33,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $1,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $140.00 – $274.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22.00 – $518.00Uncirculated: $2,880.00 – $4,406.25
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $610.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $2,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $75.77 – $78.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $2,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1925 Nickel
The 1925 Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, was part of a series that began in 1913 and continued until 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin features a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, symbolizing the American frontier and indigenous heritage.
1925 was a significant year in American history, marking the height of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural dynamism. The Buffalo Nickel, with its distinctly American imagery, reflected the nation’s fascination with its own history and identity during this era.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1925 Buffalo Nickel’s value. These coins often suffered 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.
Due to the coin’s raised design and the softness of nickel, many specimens show significant wear, even in uncirculated condition. Coins with strong luster, minimal contact marks, and sharp details command significant premiums, especially in grades MS65 and above.
Mintage: 35,565,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of the series
Mintage: 4,450,000
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 and better overall quality
Mintage: 6,256,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is a major factor in the value of 1925 Buffalo Nickels. Coins with full strikes, especially those with a complete horn on the buffalo, are highly sought after.
Original surfaces and attractive toning can significantly increase value. Nickels with light, even toning are often more desirable than bright white examples.
The Denver and San Francisco issues are generally more valuable due to lower mintages and often better strike quality. However, high-grade Philadelphia issues can also command strong premiums due to their scarcity in top conditions.
