How Rare Is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel? Discover Its True Worth

The 2005 Buffalo Nickel is a modern coin with deep American numismatic history. Today we are going to talk about its design, errors and mint mark variations. Moreover, it is important to understand its true value, but this knowledge requires discussions on its history and evolving market trends. 

So, how much is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel worth? Is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel worth anything? And what is the best way to check collector coins for value​? We will know it today.

Numismatic Description of the 2005 Buffalo Coin:

The Story and Design

In 2005, the U.S. Mint released the Buffalo Nickel as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series in honor of important moments in American history. 

The Buffalo Nickel also returned the bison image to U.S. currency, reminiscent of the design used on nickels from 1913 to 1938. This historical connection and some minting errors make the 2005 Buffalo Nickel a collector's favorite.

Here you may read about the 1964 nickels’ design.

The Obverse: Jefferson Reimagined

At first glance, you are greeted by a face you likely know well—President Thomas Jefferson—but something about him feels different. The designers of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel gave Jefferson a fresh look that is equal parts classical and contemporary. His gaze, now turned to the right for the first time in nickel history, suggests a forward-looking perspective. 

• His expression is resolute, almost contemplative, as if pondering the challenges of the Louisiana Purchase or the vast uncharted lands of the West.

• The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed in what appears to be Jefferson’s handwriting.

The Reverse: The Return of the American Bison

Turn the coin over, and you will find a sight that immediately commands attention: a lone American bison standing tall and unbothered. This is no ordinary design—it is a bold homage to the wild spirit of the frontier.

The bison, often nicknamed the "Buffalo" in common parlance, is an emblem of strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of the American plains. The choice of this creature for the reverse design is no accident—it takes back to the original Buffalo Nickel of 1913–1938.

But this bison is not a direct copy of its predecessor. The 2005 version is more upright, its proportions refined and its stance deliberate. Look closely, and you can almost feel the weight of its hooves pressing into the ground.

The background is intentionally sparse. This minimalism creates an open space, reminiscent of the Great Plains.

The phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Out of Many, One) curves gently above the bison, tying the imagery to America’s ideals of unity amidst diversity. Below, the denomination "FIVE CENTS" anchors the design in practicality.

The Mint Marks: "P," "D," and "S"

The 2005 Buffalo Nickels were minted at three facilities:

1. Philadelphia Mint ("P")
   Coins from Philadelphia had a mintage of approximately 448 million. These nickels are plentiful in circulation but may be rather expensive in uncirculated condition or with errors. The 2005 Buffalo Nickel P value ranges from $0.50 in circulated grades to over $6 in pristine uncirculated condition. Error coins, particularly the Speared 2005 Buffalo Nickel, can cost $300.

2. Denver Mint ("D")
   Denver minted around 487 million nickels in 2005. Circulated examples are worth about face value, but uncirculated coins command $1 to $5. The 2005 Buffalo Nickel D value can rise for specimens with rare errors or perfect strikes.

3. San Francisco Mint ("S")
   San Francisco produced only proof coins, with a limited mintage of about 3.3 million. These coins, specially struck for collectors, exhibit mirror-like surfaces and sharp details. Proof nickels, depending on condition and cameo quality, can be worth $10 to $25.

Errors That Boost the Value of a 2005 Buffalo Nickel

What is the error on the 2005 buffalo nickel? Among the most coveted is the Speared 2005 Buffalo Nickel, which features a die gouge that appears as though the bison has been pierced by a spear. This dramatic error can bring $100 to $300. Prices vary based on the coin’s condition.

Other rare 2005 Buffalo Nickel error examples include die cracks, off-center strikes, double strikes, and cuds. For example, coins with significant die breaks or visible misalignments can sell for $50 to $200 or more. In lower grades, these errors are still valuable - $20 to $50.

How Much Is 2005 Buffalo Nickel Worth?

General Values

The 2005 nickel worth depends on the condition and rarity:

• Circulated Coins: Worth $0.05 to $0.50.

• Uncirculated Coins: From $1 to $6 (depends on the mint mark).

• Proof Coins: Command $10 to $25, especially with deep cameo finishes.

2005 Buffalo Nickel Errors

• Speared one: Sells for $100 to $300, based on grade.

• Other errors can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

What is the value of a 2005 Buffalo Nickel (average)?

Disclaimer: Coin prices can fluctuate due to market trends, condition, and rarity. Consult a professional grader for precise valuation.

Prices Evolution

Examining the price trends over the past decade reveals some dynamics. In higher grades, e.g., MS66 or MS67, the value of 2005 buffalo nickel coins with errors has slightly declined. This is likely due to reduced demand from collectors with the financial means to pursue such high-grade rarities. Economic instability and ongoing global challenges have made many hesitant to invest in coins that require much capital.

Conversely, coins in lower grades or those with minor errors have a rise in value. This trend stems from increased demand among intermediate collectors who are eager to acquire rather cheap pieces. Coins in grades like MS63 to MS65 have appreciated significantly on the numismatic market.

Interestingly, error-free versions in grades like MS67 have surged in value, rising by more than 50% in some cases. This indicates a growing interest in pristine examples, even without errors. How much is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel worth in 2022 - 2025? While fluctuations in the market are natural, these trends suggest that now might be a good time to acquire high-grade coins at relatively lower prices, as they are likely to appreciate over time.

Related article: 2021 Quarter Value Guide.

Identifying and Assessing Your Coins

Mint Mark Identification

Are 2005 buffalo nickels worth anything? The first step to understand it is to locate the mint mark. On the 2005 Buffalo Nickel, the mint mark is found on the obverse side, just below the portrait of Thomas Jefferson. This small letter indicates where the coin was produced:

• "P" for Philadelphia

• "D" for Denver

• "S" for San Francisco (Proof Coins Only)

Assessing Condition and Grade

Grading is rather important in determining the Buffalo Nickel 2005 worth. Coins are generally graded on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70):

• Circulated Coins: Show signs of wear, particularly on the bison’s body, horns, and Jefferson’s face.

• Uncirculated Coins: Retain their original luster and lack blemishes or wear. These can be further categorized based on strike quality and sharpness. 2005 Buffalo Nickel uncirculated value is usually higher than circulated ones’. 

• Proof Coins: Feature mirror-like fields and frosted designs, common in coins from the San Francisco Mint.

For precise grading, it is best to consult a professional coin grading service, e.g., PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

Spotting Errors

To identify whether your coin is from the 2005 Buffalo Nickel error list:

1. Examine the Reverse (Bison Side): Look closely for the infamous Speared Bison error, a die gouge that appears as a spear running through the bison’s side.

2. Inspect for Die Cracks or Cuds: Use magnification to spot raised lines or blobs caused by die damage, often around the bison or the rim of the coin.

3. Check for Misalignment: Coins struck off-center or with overlapping designs are collectible.

Tools for Identification

Modern tools, like the Coin ID Scanner app, made coin collecting easy and enjoyable. These apps allow users to photograph their coins and instantly identify key features, e.g., mint marks, errors, and even answer the question “What is a 2005 buffalo nickel worth?” This is an excellent option for beginners or those without access to professional grading equipment.

If you do not have access to an app, invest in a 10x jeweler’s loupe or a digital microscope for a closer inspection. Pay special attention to small details that can distinguish a standard coin from an error variety.

Consult a Professional

For rare errors or high-grade coins, consulting a professional is a must. A certified numismatist or grading service can provide an official valuation, authenticate the coin, and assign a grade that influences marketability and value.

If you carefully identify and assess your 2005 Buffalo Nickel, you can beneficially use it for personal collection, trade or auction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2005 Buffalo Nickel worth anything?

Yes, there are 2005 Buffalo Nickels worth money. While billions were minted for general circulation - most of them are common and worth only five cents - some factors can increase their value:

• Condition (Grade): Uncirculated coins or those in mint state condition (MS) are more valuable. Coins graded MS-65 or higher by professional grading services can have higher prices.
• Errors and Varieties: Coins with mint errors, e.g., the "Speared Bison" error, are highly wanted by collectors and can be worth significantly more.
• Proof Coins: Special proof versions minted at the San Francisco Mint (bearing the "S" mint mark) are produced in limited quantities for collectors and are more valuable than regular circulation coins.

What is the 2005 Buffalo Nickel E Pluribus Unum value?

All 2005 Buffalo Nickels feature the inscription "E Pluribus Unum" on the reverse side above the image of the American Bison. This Latin phrase means "Out of many, one". It is standard on U.S. coinage and does not, by itself, increase the coin's value.

However, some 2005 Buffalo Nickels have notable errors or varieties associated with this area:

• "Speared Bison" Error: A die gouge error that appears as a raised line (resembling a spear) running through the bison's back and stomach. These error coins are rare and can be worth anywhere from $100 to over $1,200, depending on their condition and the prominence of the error.
• Die Clashes and Other Errors:  Coins with die clashes, double die errors, or other anomalies near the "E Pluribus Unum" inscription can also carry a premium. What's a 2005 buffalo nickel worth in this case? Values vary widely based on the specific error and its visibility.

Note: To determine the exact value, it is recommended to have the coin authenticated and graded by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

How rare is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel?

In general, the 2005 Buffalo Nickel is not rare. The U.S. Mint produced a large number of these coins for circulation:

• Philadelphia Mint ("P" mint mark): Approximately 448,320,000 coins.

• Denver Mint ("D" mint mark): Approximately 487,680,000 coins.

• San Francisco Mint ("S" mint mark - Proof coins): Approximately 3,344,829 coins.

What is the difference between the 2005 Buffalo Nickel value D and 2005 Buffalo Nickel value P?

The primary difference between the "D" and "P" mint marks lies in the mint where the coins were produced:

"D" Mint Mark: Minted at the Denver Mint.

"P" Mint Mark: Minted at the Philadelphia Mint.

Circulated Condition:

1. Both "D" and "P" mint mark coins are common.

2. Generally worth face value (5 cents) when circulated.

Uncirculated Condition:

1. Slight variations in value may exist due to differences in mintage numbers and collector demand.

2. Uncirculated "D" and "P" coins can be worth between $0.50 to $2, depending on the grade.

High-Grade Coins:

1. Coins graded MS-67 or higher are rarer and can command higher prices.

2. The "D" mint coins in top grades might be slightly more valuable if they are less commonly found in such conditions.

Error Coins:

1. Certain errors may be specific to a particular mint.

2. The "Speared Bison" error is primarily found on coins with the "D" mint mark.

3. Error coins from the Denver Mint may, therefore, be more valuable.

So, there is generally no significant difference in value between the two unless specific errors or exceptionally high grades are involved.

Sources:

1. https://www.coleccionistasdemonedas.com/en/valuable-coins-to-collect/buffalo-nickels-2005-d-values/ 

2. https://depor.com/en/us-local/what-is-the-error-that-makes-2005-buffalo-nickel