The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to well over $2,000 in mint state — and truly exceptional examples have sold for much more at major auctions. If you found one of these old nickels in a drawer, a jar, or an old collection, you might be sitting on something genuinely valuable. Read on to find out exactly what you have.

What Makes the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Special

The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint, identified by the small “D” mintmark located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” That single letter makes a big difference in value compared to the Philadelphia Mint version of the same year.

In 1917, the Denver Mint produced approximately 9,402,000 Buffalo Nickels. While that sounds like a lot, over a century of circulation, loss, and wear has made well-preserved examples increasingly hard to find. Most survivors you’ll encounter today are heavily worn — but if yours shows strong detail on the buffalo’s horn or the Native American’s cheekbone, you could have something worth a close second look.

If you’re not sure which mint produced your coin or want a quick identification, a free coin identifier app can help you read the mintmark and grade the coin’s condition in seconds — no expertise required.

How Condition Determines the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel Value

Condition — or “grade” in coin collector language — is the single biggest factor in determining what your 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is worth. Even a small difference in preservation can mean hundreds of dollars.

Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade:

For the most up-to-date figures, you can check current 1917-D Buffalo Nickel price data across grades to see how the market is moving right now.

How to Check Your Coin’s Grade at Home

You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s grade. Start by examining the buffalo on the reverse side — specifically the horn above the animal’s head. On well-worn coins, that horn is the first thing to disappear. If you can still see a clear, raised horn, your coin is likely in Fine condition or better.

Next, flip the coin over and look at the Native American portrait on the obverse. Check the hair braid and the cheekbone — high points that show wear early. Strong, defined lines here suggest a coin in Extremely Fine or better condition.

Use a magnifying glass and good lighting. Avoid cleaning the coin — even a gentle rub can drop its grade significantly and cut its value in half. A cleaned Buffalo Nickel is immediately obvious to collectors, and most dealers will discount it heavily.

CoinKnow is a great tool for beginners — just photograph your coin and the app gives you an instant grade estimate based on the details it detects. It’s surprisingly accurate for common-date coins like the 1917-D.

The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel in the Context of the Series

The Buffalo Nickel series ran from 1913 to 1938, and the 1917-D sits squarely in the middle of the series — not a major rarity, but not common in high grades either. It’s considered a slightly better date among Denver Mint issues from this era.

For comparison, the 1913-S Type 2 or the 1916 doubled die obverse are the true keys of the series. But the 1917-D is still a coin that serious collectors pursue, especially in grades above MS-63 where original examples become genuinely scarce.

If you’re curious about the full picture of what your coin could be worth, this detailed 1917 nickel value guide walks through all three mint varieties — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — with current estimates for each grade.

CoinKnow also lets you track Buffalo Nickel values over time, so you’ll know if now is a good moment to sell or hold.

Where to Sell a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel

If your coin grades Fine or higher, it’s worth selling through the right channel. Online auction platforms like eBay attract serious collectors who will pay fair market price — especially if your coin is clearly photographed and accurately described.

For coins grading AU or better, consider submitting to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC before selling. A certified grade adds buyer confidence and often results in significantly higher sale prices. The grading fee is usually worth it for coins valued above $300.

Local coin shops are convenient but tend to offer 50-70% of retail value since they need room to make a profit. Coin shows are another great option — you can get multiple offers in one afternoon.

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FAQ

Q: How do I know if my Buffalo Nickel is from the Denver Mint?
A: Look on the reverse side of the coin, just below “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small “D,” it was made at the Denver Mint. No letter means it came from Philadelphia, and an “S” means San Francisco.

Q: Is a 1917-D Buffalo Nickel rare?
A: It’s not considered a rare coin in circulated grades, but finding one in Extremely Fine or Mint State condition is genuinely uncommon. High-grade examples are sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable.

Q: Should I clean my 1917-D Buffalo Nickel before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with water and a soft cloth — removes the natural surface patina that collectors value. A cleaned coin is worth significantly less than an uncleaned one in the same condition. Leave it as-is and let a professional assess it.