In the world of numismatics, few coins captivate collectors quite like the 1927 Buffalo Nickel. This iconic piece of American currency, with its bold Native American profile and majestic bison reverse, tells a story of our nation's past while potentially holding significant monetary value. But just how much is a 1927 nickel worth? Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating world of these century-old coins and uncover their true value.
A Brief History of the Buffalo Nickel
Before we delve into the specifics of the 1927 issue, it's crucial to understand the context of the Buffalo Nickel series as a whole.
The Birth of an Icon
- Designed by James Earle Fraser in 1913
- Part of President Theodore Roosevelt's initiative to beautify American coinage
- Minted from 1913 to 1938
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features:
- Obverse: A composite portrait of three Native American chiefs
- Reverse: An American bison, believed to be modeled after "Black Diamond" from New York City's Central Park Zoo
The Significance of 1927
1927 was a notable year for Buffalo Nickel production, with three mints contributing to the coinage:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): 37,981,000 coins
- Denver (D mint mark): 5,730,000 coins
- San Francisco (S mint mark): 3,430,000 coins
Factors Influencing the Value of a 1927 Buffalo Nickel
Several key elements determine the worth of these coins:
- Mint mark: The location where the coin was struck
- Condition: The grade of the coin, from heavily circulated to pristine mint state
- Strike quality: How well the design details were impressed during minting
- Errors and varieties: Unique characteristics resulting from minting mistakes
- Preservation: The coin's state of conservation and original luster
Comprehensive Value Guide for 1927 Buffalo Nickels
Let's break down the potential values by mint mark and condition:
1927 (Philadelphia – No Mint Mark)
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $1.51 – $2 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $2 – $3 |
| Fine (F-12) | $3 – $4 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $4 – $6.05 |
| Extra Fine (EF-40) | $21 – $25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $29 – $35 |
| MS-60 | $41 – $50 |
| MS-63 | $97 – $110 |
| MS-65 | $400 – $450 |
| MS-67+ | Up to $24,000 |
1927-D (Denver)
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $3.50 – $5 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $8 – $10 |
| Fine (F-12) | $20 – $25 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $40 – $48 |
| Extra Fine (EF-40) | $99 – $120 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $157 – $180 |
| MS-60 | $200 – $225 |
| MS-63 | $481 – $550 |
| MS-65 | $4,750 – $5,500 |
| MS-66 | Up to $46,000 |
1927-S (San Francisco)
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $2.41 – $3 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $6 – $8 |
| Fine (F-12) | $25 – $30 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $40 – $48 |
| Extra Fine (EF-40) | $119 – $140 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $272 – $300 |
| MS-60 | $1,090 – $1,200 |
| MS-63 | $2,677 – $3,000 |
| MS-65 | $17,500 – $20,000 |
| MS-66 | Up to $125,350 |
Rare 1927 Buffalo Nickel Errors and Varieties
Certain minting errors and die varieties can significantly increase a coin's value:
-
Two Feathers Error
- Description: Missing the third feather in the Indian's headdress
- 1927-D: Up to $400 in circulated condition, $1,000+ in mint state
- 1927-S: Up to $2,280 in high grades
-
3 1/2 Legs Error
- Description: Bison appears to have only three and a half legs due to die polishing
- 1927-D: $80 in Good condition, up to $7,475 in Mint State
-
Double Die Obverse
- Description: Shows doubling in the design elements on the front of the coin
- 1927-S: Up to $840 in Extra Fine condition, potentially more in higher grades
-
Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)
- Description: Mint mark appears to be struck multiple times
- 1927-D: Up to $335 in Extremely Fine condition, more in uncirculated grades
Evaluating Your 1927 Buffalo Nickel
To determine the true value of your coin:
- Identify the mint mark: Look under the bison on the reverse
- Assess the condition: Use the Sheldon grading scale from 1 to 70
- Check for errors: Carefully examine the coin for known varieties
- Preserve the coin: Store in a non-PVC holder to prevent damage
- Consider professional grading: For potentially valuable specimens, use services like PCGS or NGC
The Investment Potential of 1927 Buffalo Nickels
While not all 1927 Buffalo Nickels are worth a fortune, certain specimens have shown impressive appreciation over time:
- High-grade examples (MS-65 and above) have seen steady increases in value
- Rare errors like the Two Feathers and 3 1/2 Legs varieties continue to command strong premiums
- The historical significance and iconic design make Buffalo Nickels popular among collectors
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Price Guide, here's how some high-grade 1927 Buffalo Nickels have appreciated over the past decade:
| Coin | 2011 Value | 2021 Value | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 MS-65 | $325 | $400 | 23% |
| 1927-D MS-65 | $3,750 | $4,750 | 27% |
| 1927-S MS-65 | $14,500 | $17,500 | 21% |
Historical Context and Collector Appeal
The 1927 Buffalo Nickel holds a special place in American history:
- Minted during the "Roaring Twenties," a time of economic prosperity and cultural change
- Reflects the romanticized view of Native American culture prevalent in early 20th-century America
- Represents a pivotal moment in coin design, bridging classical and modern aesthetics
Collectors are drawn to Buffalo Nickels for several reasons:
- Iconic American imagery
- Challenge of finding well-preserved specimens
- Rich history and connection to the early 20th century
- Potential for discovering valuable errors and varieties
Tips for Collecting 1927 Buffalo Nickels
- Start with lower grades: Build a collection of circulated coins before investing in expensive mint state examples
- Learn to detect cleaned coins: Artificial brightening can significantly reduce a coin's value
- Study die varieties: Familiarize yourself with the nuances of known errors and variations
- Invest in proper storage: Use archival-quality holders to protect your coins
- Attend coin shows: Network with other collectors and learn from experienced dealers
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the 1927 Buffalo Nickel
The 1927 Buffalo Nickel, with its rich history and classic design, remains a favorite among coin collectors and investors. While most examples in circulation are worth modest amounts, the potential for discovering a rare, high-grade specimen keeps the thrill of the hunt alive.
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just beginning to explore coin collecting, the 1927 Buffalo Nickel offers a tangible connection to America's past and the potential for significant value. Remember, the true worth of a coin often lies not just in its monetary value, but in the stories it tells and the history it represents.
As you search through your change or peruse flea markets, keep an eye out for these small treasures. Who knows? You might just find a piece of history worth far more than five cents. Happy collecting!
