Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 11/18/2024: Gold $2585 | Silver $30.60
1923 Nickel Value
The 1923 nickel value is $1.60 to $3.80 for coin in "Good" condition, a fairly worn example. However this is just the minimum, many factors drive the value higher.
The appeal of the series and the large numbers of collectors assembling collections has driven values up. Certain date and mintmark combinations are especially elusive.
For example 1923 nickel value is very strong for the San Francisco branch mint issue of this year. The "S" mint Buffalo's are scarce.
Also consider the condition of your coins. The "Uncirculated" 1923 nickel pictured is highly prized by rare coin collectors because of condition. Huge swings in value follow the better condition coins. There are "Grading" images below to help guide through this part of determining value.
The date, the mint that struck the coin, and very important- the condition. This combination uncovers how much your buffalo nickel is worth.
Of the two mints that produced Buffalo nickels, the 1923 "S" is the most elusive and exciting to find.
The small "S" located on the reverse indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint did not use a mintmark.
| 1923 Nickel Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1923 Nickel Value Updated | 2024 | |||
| 1923 | $1.63 | $3.81 | $11 | $66 |
| 1923 S | $6 | $21 | $120 | $466 |
Past Collecting Trends and the 1923 Nickel Value
The 1923 nickel value falls into two distinct categories, the common less valuable Philadelphia minted nickel and the rare very valuable San Francisco nickel. What is the reason for the huge value difference?
Looking at the number of 1923-S nickels minted, it stands at just over 6 million, certainly not the lowest for any Buffalo nickel, so plenty were produced.
In historical terms, the early part of the century found the majority of the population and coin collectors where on the east coast. However, any amount of saving by collectors or dealers on the west coast at the time would have preserved more of the "S" mint coins for today's collectors, the high price indicates it was not done.
Possibly more important, was the new idea of assembling coin collections that included an example of each date and mintmark issue was just beginning to take hold and gain in popularity.
Has a new collecting trend emerged? By 1927 the San Francisco mint produced even fewer coins but they must have been saved in greater numbers, its value today is much less than the 1923-S.
Perhaps the 1923 nickel value is showing the beginnings of how coins are collected today by both date and mintmarks.
1923 Buffalo Nickel Value is Conditional
You may not have found the elusive 1923-S but any old Buffalo nickel in nice condition is very collectible and has good value.
Collectors seek the best preserved coins and pay premiums when found. Judge the condition of your coins to identify ones with potentially higher value.
Uncirculated: The ultimate grade to a collector. A nickel in this condition shows absolutely no evidence of wear, it appears brand new. Mint luster covers the entire surface of the coin.
Examine the high points of the Indian's cheek and front leg and hip of the buffalo for a dulling of luster, indicating wear.
Extremely Fine: Slight reduction of details is noticeable. Design high points showing worn effects are the feathers, braid and hair on the obverse. Continue your examination on the reverse along the upper back of the buffalo. The separation of finer fur details is incomplete.
Fine: Also a collectable grade for a 1923 nickel, the coin has a pleasing but worn appearance. A full bold date with legends separated from the rims, increases this grade from a lesser one. Design details are visible on both the Buffalo and Indian.
Good: The top edges of the lettering next to the rim have joined and blurred the distinction, noticeable on both obverse and reverse. Also defining the grade are extensive flat areas of the head, shoulder and hip across the Buffalo.
Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles
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In Depth Buffalo Nickel Value
1913 to 1938
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