Introduction
Indian Head Coins, also known as Buffalo Nickels, are a beloved collectible among numismatists and coin enthusiasts worldwide. These coins, minted from 1913 to 1938, feature a striking image of an American Indian on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Indian Head Coins for sale, covering their history, types, grading, and how to buy them.
History of Indian Head Coins
The Birth of the Indian Head Nickel
The Indian Head Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser, an American sculptor, in 1912. The coin was introduced to replace the Liberty Nickel, which had been in circulation since 1883. Fraser’s design was inspired by a Native American chief he had seen at a powwow in Minnesota.
The Buffalo Nickel
The reverse of the Indian Head Nickel features a buffalo, which was also designed by Fraser. The buffalo was chosen to represent the American West and the spirit of the frontier. The coin’s design was a significant departure from the traditional portrait of Liberty on the obverse of the Liberty Nickel.
The End of the Indian Head Nickel
The Indian Head Nickel was minted until 1938, when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. The change was made to reduce the cost of producing the coin, as the Indian Head Nickel was more expensive to mint due to its intricate design.
Types of Indian Head Coins
1913 Indian Head Nickel
The 1913 Indian Head Nickel is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors. Only 500,000 were minted, making it quite rare. The coin is highly valued due to its historical significance and its low mintage.
1913-S Indian Head Nickel
The 1913-S Indian Head Nickel is another rare and valuable coin. It was minted at the San Francisco Mint and is one of the rarest coins in the series. Only 1,600,000 were minted, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
1914 Indian Head Nickel
The 1914 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the 1913 or 1913-S coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1915 Indian Head Nickel
The 1915 Indian Head Nickel is another common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1916 Indian Head Nickel
The 1916 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1917 Indian Head Nickel
The 1917 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1918 Indian Head Nickel
The 1918 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1919 Indian Head Nickel
The 1919 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1920 Indian Head Nickel
The 1920 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1921 Indian Head Nickel
The 1921 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1922 Indian Head Nickel
The 1922 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1923 Indian Head Nickel
The 1923 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1924 Indian Head Nickel
The 1924 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1925 Indian Head Nickel
The 1925 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1926 Indian Head Nickel
The 1926 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1927 Indian Head Nickel
The 1927 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1928 Indian Head Nickel
The 1928 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1929 Indian Head Nickel
The 1929 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1930 Indian Head Nickel
The 1930 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1931 Indian Head Nickel
The 1931 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1932 Indian Head Nickel
The 1932 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1933 Indian Head Nickel
The 1933 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1934 Indian Head Nickel
The 1934 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1935 Indian Head Nickel
The 1935 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1936 Indian Head Nickel
The 1936 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1937 Indian Head Nickel
The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
1938 Indian Head Nickel
The 1938 Indian Head Nickel is a common coin in the series. It was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is not as rare as the earlier coins. However, it is still a valuable collectible due to its historical significance.
Grading Indian Head Coins
Grading Indian Head Coins is an essential aspect of collecting and selling these coins. The grading system used for Indian Head Coins is the same as that used for other American coins. The grading scale ranges from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS) 70.
Poor (P) to Fair (F)
Coins in this range are heavily worn and have little to no detail. They are typically not worth much and are usually sold to collectors who are interested in the history of the coin rather than its condition.
Good (G) to Very Good (VG)
Coins in this range have some detail remaining but are still heavily worn. They are typically not worth much and are usually sold to collectors who are interested in the history of the coin rather than its condition.
Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF)
Coins in this range have some detail remaining but are still worn. They are typically worth more than coins in the Poor to Fair range but are still not worth much.
Extremely Fine (EF) to Mint State (MS)
Coins in this range have very little wear and are in excellent condition. They are typically worth a lot more than coins in the Poor to Fine range.
Mint State (MS) 60 to MS 70
Coins in this range are in pristine condition and have never been circulated. They are typically worth a lot more than coins in the Poor to Fine range.
Buying Indian Head Coins
Where to Buy Indian Head Coins
There are several places where you can buy Indian Head Coins. Some of the most popular options include:
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces such as eBay, CoinList, and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are popular places to buy Indian Head Coins. These platforms allow you to search for coins by year, mint, and grade, making it easy to find the specific coin you are looking for.
Coin Shops
Coin shops are physical stores that specialize in the buying and selling of coins. They often have a wide selection of Indian Head Coins and can be a good place to find rare or valuable coins.
Auctions
Auctions are another popular option for buying Indian Head Coins. Auctions allow you to bid on coins and can be a good place to find rare or valuable coins at a reasonable price.
Direct from Dealers
You can also buy Indian Head Coins directly from coin dealers. Coin dealers specialize in the buying and selling of coins and can be a good place to find rare or valuable coins.
How to Buy Indian Head Coins
When buying Indian Head Coins, it’s essential to do your research and understand the market. Here are some tips to help you buy Indian Head Coins:
Research the Market
Before you buy, research the market to understand the current prices of Indian Head Coins. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for a coin.
Check the Coin’s Condition
When buying Indian Head Coins, it’s essential to check the coin’s condition. The coin’s grade can significantly impact its value, so it’s crucial to ensure that the coin is in good condition.
Check the Coin’s Authenticity
When buying Indian Head Coins, it’s essential to check the coin’s authenticity. Counterfeit coins are common, so it’s crucial to ensure that the coin you are buying is genuine.
Check the Coin’s Provenance
When buying Indian Head Coins, it’s essential to check the coin’s provenance. Provenance refers to the history of ownership of a coin. A coin with a good provenance can be worth more than a coin with a poor provenance.
Check the Coin’s Price
When buying Indian Head Coins, it’s essential to check the coin’s price. The price of a coin can vary significantly depending on its condition, grade, and provenance. It’s crucial to ensure that you are paying a fair price for the coin.
Selling Indian Head Coins
Where to Sell Indian Head Coins
There are several places where you can sell Indian Head Coins. Some of the most popular options include:
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces such as eBay, CoinList, and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are popular places to sell Indian Head Coins. These platforms allow you to list your coins for sale and reach a wide audience of buyers.
Coin Shops
Coin shops are physical stores that specialize in the buying and selling of coins. They often have a wide selection of Indian Head Coins and can be a good place to sell your coins.
Auctions
Auctions are another popular option for selling Indian Head Coins. Auctions allow you to set a reserve price for your coin and can be a good place to sell rare or valuable coins.
Direct to Dealers
You can also sell Indian Head Coins directly to coin dealers. Coin dealers special