The 1914 Buffalo Nickel stands as a significant piece in American numismatic history, designed by James Earle Fraser. After making major adjustments to the design in 1913, only a minor modification—the date—was changed for the 1914 release.
While the Philadelphia Mint produced over four million Buffalo Nickels in 1914, the Denver and San Francisco Mints had much smaller mintages, with the 1914-D being rarer and tougher to find in higher grades.
However, the most sought-after variety is the 1914/3 overdate, a fascinating detail for collectors.
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Mint State Examples and Grading
Around 4,000 examples of the 1914 Buffalo Nickel have been certified as Mint State (MS) by leading grading services such as NGC and PCGS, with MS64 being the most commonly reported grade.
Collectors appreciate these coins for their fine details, especially the fully struck horns and fur on the buffalo. Some Mint State coins also exhibit an intriguing die clash from the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” adding to their uniqueness.
As is typical with nickel coins, it’s rare to find examples without toning. Many 1914 Buffalo Nickels showcase a golden or yellow hue, while others feature ice blue toning, adding an attractive aesthetic quality to the coin.
Top Population Grades and Market Trends
The highest population grade for the 1914 Buffalo Nickel is MS67+, with a few examples certified by NGC and PCGS. In recent years, the number of MS67 coins has grown, leading to a decrease in market prices.
For instance, a standout sale occurred in 2019 when a CAC-approved specimen with gold and purple toning sold for $15,000, a remarkable outlier in an otherwise downward pricing trend.
Noteworthy Specimens and Auction Sales
- PCGS MS67+ CAC #47894404: Sold for $27,337.50 at GreatCollections in June 2023, featuring apricot toning throughout.
- PCGS MS67 #49920625: Listed for $5,750 with bright iridescent toning in pale yellow, green, and orange.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #60190039: Auctioned for $6,900 in February 2022, showing golden toning and sharp die clashes from “PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- PCGS MS67 #81464815: Sold at multiple auctions, reaching prices between $3,600 and $4,700, known for its violet and gold toning.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #36812718: Achieved $15,000 in 2019, with gold and purple toning, a rare and desirable feature.
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Final Thoughts on the 1914 Buffalo Nickel
The 1914 Buffalo Nickel is a valuable piece for collectors, especially in higher grades like MS67+. The coin’s toning, rarity, and fine details make it a fascinating subject for both novice and experienced collectors alike.
Over time, market prices have fluctuated, but rare, well-preserved examples continue to capture attention at auctions.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.