Price Guide for 1929 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $51.00Uncirculated: $0.20 – $63,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $800.00Uncirculated: $15.85 – $916.31
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $20,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $0.55 – $15,275.00
-
eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $1,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $411.00Uncirculated: $0.35 – $36,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $191.38Uncirculated: $22.50 – $1,181.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $40,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $372.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $11,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $34.50 – $128.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,600.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $658.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $1,997.50
-
eBayUncirculated: $660.02 – $949.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $2,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1929 Nickel
The 1929 Buffalo Nickel was part of the series that began in 1913, designed by James Earle Fraser. This iconic coin features a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, symbolizing the American frontier spirit. The year 1929 is significant as it marks the beginning of the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on American society and economy.
| 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 Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1929 Buffalo Nickels significantly impacts their value. Due to the coin’s design, the date and mint mark were prone to wear, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
The strike quality is also crucial, as many Buffalo Nickels suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the buffalo’s horn and the Indian’s hair details. Coins with full horn details on the reverse command higher premiums.
Mintage: 36,446,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of the Buffalo Nickel series
Mintage: 8,370,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Mintage: 7,754,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lowest mintage and scarcity in high grades
Luster and toning play important roles in determining a coin’s desirability. Coins with original mint luster and attractive, natural toning are highly prized by collectors. The presence of a full strike, especially on the buffalo’s horn, can significantly increase value.
While no major varieties or errors are known for the 1929 Buffalo Nickel, any discovered error coins could potentially be very valuable due to their rarity. Collectors also appreciate eye appeal, so coins with exceptional visual characteristics may command higher premiums in the market.
