Identify Valuable Buffalo Nickels in 3 Minutes Flat (Proven Rapid Method)

Got Buffalo Nickels? Find the Valuable Ones in 3 Minutes Flat

I know that sinking feeling when you’ve got a pile of Buffalo nickels and zero time. After handling hundreds of these coins at flea markets and estate sales, I’ve perfected a no-nonsense method that works while your coffee’s still hot. Whether you’re a dealer, hobbyist, or someone who just inherited Grandpa’s collection, this approach skips the textbook stuff and gets straight to results.

My 3-Minute Buffalo Nickel Check System

Step 1: The 10-Second Date Check

Grab your phone’s flashlight and a cheap magnifier (the dollar store kind works fine). Tilt the coin slightly under light and look for two things:

• 1913 Types: Raised lettering under “FIVE CENTS”? That’s Type 1. Sunken lettering? Type 2 (which collectors love)
• Money Dates: 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D, 1921-S – these make collectors’ hearts race

Step 2: The 90-Second Condition Check

Focus where wear hits hardest – the bison’s horn tip and the Native American’s feather details. Can you see:

• Full horn lines?
• Crisp feather edges?

“That horn tip detail? It’s like finding an extra zero at auction” – CoinWeek’s spot-on advice

Phone Photography Tricks for Quick Valuations

Your 2-Minute “Lightbox” Setup


<!-- No fancy gear needed -->
<div class="lightbox">
<img src="coin-obverse.jpg" alt="Buffalo Nickel front showing date">
<img src="coin-reverse.jpg" alt="Buffalo Nickel back showing bison">
</div>


Just use white paper under a lamp! Clear photos help spot those make-or-break details.

Real Success Stories

How I Turned a $50 Nickel into $850

Last month, a man nearly sold his 1913-S Type 2 as junk. We checked the horn under my phone light – full details visible. The auction result made his year.

Your Go-To Quick Reference Guide

• Top 3 wear spots that destroy or boost value
• 7 dates/marks that automatically mean “check carefully!”

(Print this – it tucks perfectly in your wallet)

Stop Guessing, Start Knowing

This method prevents costly mistakes without turning coin-checking into a part-time job. Next time you spot a Buffalo nickel, you’ll know within minutes whether it’s grocery money or vacation money.

Related Resources

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