Is Your 1929 Buffalo Nickel Rare? Find Out Its True Worth

Could you imagine that simple nickels from 1929 can be quite valuable these days? In the XXI century, many relics of the past gained popularity and raised prices as time filtered which items to seek. 

Coins, just like other collectibles, represent a relatively stable type of investment which anyway depends on factors like collector’s demand and current market trends. Is your 1929 nickel worth the money? How to identify this coin, and which external aspects define its market state in the end?

Key Features of the 1929 Buffalo Nickel

As such, the 1929 Indian head nickel (also known as Buffalo Nickel) is a literal symbol of the numismatic culture in the US with a design that captures the spirit and resilience of the early XX century. The following features may not be exclusive to this particular coin, yet these serve as the foundation for other peculiarities to occur.

However, the rarity cannot be defined by the physical characteristics only (unless it is about erroneous coins with deviations located right on the surface). So, which variables affect the 1929 nickel value? 

By the way, here is an article about the following year's coin: 1930 Buffalo Nickel.

Factors That Determine Rarity and Value

1. Mintage Figures

There are notable differences in the overall quantity of 1929 Buffalo Nickels produced at the three major mint locations:

• Philadelphia: 36,446,000 (most common).

• Denver: 8,370,000 (scarcer).

• San Francisco: 7,754,000 (lowest mintage).

While Philadelphia coins are easily accessible (stored by coin hoarders and collectors), nickels from the Denver and San Francisco mints are more valuable, particularly in better grades.

2. Condition (Grading Impact)

One of the easiest ways to determine the most valuable asset is to look at the grade attributed by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. In fact, the coin grades range from Good (G-4) to Mint State (MS-65 or higher) – the better the grade, the higher the price.

A coin in Good condition might only be worth its face value with the features on both sides severely dissipated.

For coins with lower mintages, such as those from Denver and San Francisco, a Mint State sample means the greatest value possible, for these are affected by a combination of factors simultaneously. 

3. Errors and Variations

The 1929 Buffalo nickel errors are the perfect examples of how even the slightest deviation may boost the value for good. Although there are numerous types of imperfections (e.g., double-die obverse, repunched mint marks, etc), the most notable include:

• Die Break by Date:  A crack in the die that creates a unique break near the coin’s date.

• Mint Error 1929-S Struck (5)% Off-Center: This striking error happens when the planchet (coin blank) is not properly aligned during minting. As a result, there appears this off-center design which makes the coin distinct and highly collectible.

Estimated 1929 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart

Since this coin is rather old and has long been out of circulation, even the most widespread units may be quite valuable and attractive in terms of their collecting potential. So, how much is a 1929 Buffalo Nickel worth? 

Note: Prices may fluctuate over time. They may either drop or increase significantly. For more accurate information, please keep up with the modern trends, explore coin-grading resources, and regularly study auction books and guides to learn more about your own collection.  

How to Appraise Your Nickels

Should you wish to appraise your Buffalo Nickel 1929, it is vital to understand the main steps so as to assess the coin appropriately. This is what one should do:

Identify the Mint Mark: Locate the mint mark beneath the "FIVE CENTS" inscription on the reverse to understand the location and mintage numbers of the coin.

Evaluate the Coin’s Condition and Errors: Although the most accurate grading can be done by a professional service only, you can always do it on your own with the support of reputable resources and apps. Remember that coins are casually graded from Good (G-4) to Mint State (MS-70) according to their condition. Generally speaking, higher-grade coins with less wear and errors are worth more. 

Use Coin ID Scanner: Coin ID Scanner is a convenient yet universal app to examine your collection thoroughly. So as to determine the precise type and mint mark of a coin, including this one we are talking about, as well as 1939 nickels and many others, this technology analyzes its size, metal composition, and design. Finally, it may provide one with an estimated value based on current market trends and insights from other collectors.

Check Recent Auction Results and Market Trends: Research recent auction results to better understand the current worth of your coin via websites like eBay, GreatCollection, and Heritage Auctions.

Discover the true value of your 1929 Buffalo Nickel. What if you own a coin that may change your understanding of coin collecting forever?.. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1929-5c/3966

2. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/nickel