The value of a coin can change over time depending on a number of circumstances, as all numismatists and collectors are aware of. And the 2005 Buffalo Nickel is one coin that has attracted interest recently. This coin has elevated to coveted status among coin collectors due to its eye-catching design and small mintage. This article will examine the background of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel and the different elements that have influenced its present value.
2005 Buffalo Nickel Details
- Denomination: 5 cents
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.21 millimeters
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Minted in: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
- Total mintage: 1,054,672,000 (Philadelphia), 832,140,000 (Denver), and 3,054,304 (San Francisco)
For its distinctive shape and fascinating history, the 2005 buffalo nickel is a coin that sticks out. James Earle Fraser created the nickel in 1913, which bears the enduring image of a buffalo on one side and a picture of Thomas Jefferson on the other. The design was so well-liked that it was brought back for the 2005 nickel release.
The buffalo nickel from 2005 has a particular appearance and feel because of its composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It is 5.0 grams in weight and 21.21 millimeters in diameter, making it slightly bigger than a nickel from the present day. There are no inscriptions or markings on the coin’s plain edge.
Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco were the three places where the 2005 buffalo nickel was struck. The San Francisco mint produced only slightly more than 3 million coins, compared to the combined output of the Philadelphia and Denver mints of approximately 1.8 billion pieces. Because of this, collectors value the San Francisco edition of the coin particularly highly.
The condition and mint mark of the 2005 buffalo nickel can affect its worth. While a coin in uncirculated state might be worth up to $2.00, a coin in good condition can be worth about 10 cents. While in uncirculated form, the San Francisco version of the coin is typically valued more than the Philadelphia or Denver editions.
2005 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 2005 “P” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (Philadelphia) | $0.10 | $0.15 | $0.30 | $0.50 |
| 2005 “D” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (Denver) | $0.10 | $0.15 | $0.30 | $0.50 |
| 2005 “S” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (San Francisco) | $0.50 | $0.75 | $1.25 | $2 |
2005 Buffalo Nickle Value and Varieties Guides
2005 “P” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (Philadelphia)
- Type: United States nickel coin
- Mark Category: Philadelphia mint mark
- Materials: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark: “P”
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia Mint
- Year of Minting: 2005
- Face Value: 5 cents
- Price: From $0.10 to $0.50, depending on condition.
- Quantity: 448 million
- Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Mass: 5.00 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
In 2005, the Philadelphia Mint produced the Buffalo Nickel with the “P” Mint Mark. James Earle Fraser created both of the renowned designs on this coin, which include a buffalo on one side and a Native Man on the other. The coin weighs 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel and has a face value of 5 cents. Despite the lack of a mint mark, it is estimated that 448 million coins were made. The price of the 2005 “P” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel ranges from $0.10 to $0.50 on average, however some high-quality examples can start at approximately $35.
2005 “D” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (Denver)
- Type: United States nickel coin
- Mark Category: Denver Mint mark
- Materials: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark: “D” for Denver Mint
- Place of Minting: Denver Mint
- Year of Minting: 2005
- Face Value: 5 cents
- Price: From $0.10 to around $0.50, depending on condition.
- Quantity: 488 million
- Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Mass: 5.00 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
The Denver Mint produced the Buffalo Nickel in 2005. The coin is 5 cents in face value and contains the “D” mint mark, identifying its country of origin. It is thought that 448 million of the coins, which are comprised of 75% copper and 25% nickel, were manufactured. The coin’s value ranges from $0.10 to roughly $0.50, but in exceptionally good condition, it could reach $5.
2005 “S” Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel Value (San Francisco)
- Type: United States nickel coin
- Mark Category: San Francisco Mint mark
- Materials: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Plain
- Mint Mark: “S” for San Francisco Mint
- Place of Minting: San Francisco Mint
- Year of Minting: 2005
- Face Value: 5 cents
- Price: From $0.50 to around $2.00.
- Quantity: Unknown
- Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Mass: 5.00 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
San Francisco Mint produced the Buffalo nickel with the San Francisco Mint Mark that was released in 2005. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel and carries the “S” mint mark, signifying that it was made in San Francisco. The coin is worth 5 cents on the face. These coins, which are usually thought to be rarer than other 2005 Buffalo Nickels, were not manufactured in great quantities; nonetheless, their exact production numbers are unknown. The cost of the 2005 San Francisco Mint Mark Buffalo Nickel ranges from $0.50 to almost $2.00.
2005 Buffalo Nickel History
The 2005 Buffalo Nickel is a coin that, through its own elaborate design and voyage through the years, recounts a story of American history. This nickel is more than simply a piece of money; it is a representation of the spirit of discovery and exploration that has been the cornerstone of our country since its inception.
The Buffalo Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser and features a buffalo image on one side and a Native American profile on the other. These images pay homage to the rugged, amazing natural spirit of the American West, as well as the people and animals who call it home.
When the Buffalo Nickel was first introduced in 1913, it was an instant success. It was a change from the conventional Liberty Head nickel that had been in circulation for hundreds of years, and its bold, distinctive design captivated the attention of people across the country. It was in circulation until 1938 when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel.
But the Buffalo Nickel wasn’t done making history. The United States Mint issued a special commemorative edition of the coin as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series in 2005. This series commemorated the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the Buffalo Nickel was a fitting tribute to the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined that journey.
The 2005 Buffalo Nickel was issued in three different versions, each with its own unique mint mark. There was a Philadelphia version with “P” mint mark, a Denver version with a “D” mint mark, and a San Francisco version with a “S” mint mark.
Also Read: 15 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
2005 Buffalo Nickel Grading
Just like any other coin, the grading is used to determine its condition and value. Coins are typically graded from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a perfect, uncirculated coin. Grading considers factors such as the luster, strike, and any signs of damage on the coin.
Also Read: Top 110 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
List of 2005 Buffalo Nickel errors
Speared Bison
The 2005 Buffalo Nickel’s most infamous error is this one. It displays a die break that resembles a spear piercing the bison’s back. The “Humpback Bison” or “Broken Horn Bison” mistake is another name for it.
Die breaks
Any coin, including the 2005 Buffalo Nickel, can have a die break. These flaws can range from minor chips or cracks to major breaks that significantly alter the coin’s design. Die breaks can occur as a result of a number of factors, including metal fatigue, poor die maintenance, or other issues with the minting process.
Detached Leg
If the bison’s front leg gets accidentally severed from its body when the die that strikes, then the coin develops a crack or break. As a result, the bison appears to have three legs rather than four. Also, this error is quite uncommon and is highly prized by collectors.
Clipped planchets
When a coin is struck from a partially cut or incomplete planchet, a clipped planchet error occurs. As a result, the coin may be missing a portion of its edge or rim, affecting its overall appearance and value. Clipped planchet errors can occur as a result of errors during the planchet-cutting process or as a result of damage to the planchet after it has been cut.
Off Center strikes
An off-center strike error is what happens when the coin is struck off-center, resulting in a design that is not fully centered on the coin. This can have an impact on both the overall appearance and value of the coin. Off-center strikes can occur as a result of issues with the minting process, such as misaligned dies or insufficient pressure.
Doubled dies
A doubled die error occurs when a die strikes the coin more than once, resulting in a design that looks distorted. This can have an impact on the overall appearance of the coin and be a significant factor in determining its value. Doubled dies can occur as a result of problems with the minting process, such as misaligned dies or insufficient pressure.
Die cracks
Die cracks happen when the dies that are used to strike the coins develop small cracks or fractures, resulting in a coin with visible lines or raised areas. These errors can occur as a result of a variety of factors, such as metal fatigue, poor die maintenance, or other issues with the minting process.
Repunched mint marks
Some 2005 Buffalo Nickels appear to have had their mint marks stamped more than once, resulting in a slightly blurred or doubled appearance. This can have an impact on the overall appearance of the coin and play a significant role in determining its value.
Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
2005 Buffalo Nickel FAQ
How much is a 2005 nickel buffalo worth?
A 2005 nickel buffalo’s value can vary depending on a number of factors, including its condition, mint mark, and if it has any errors. A standard 2005 nickel with no special errors is worth face value (5 cents). Certain errors on the 2005 nickel, such as the speared buffalo, can significantly increase its value.
What is the buffalo error on a 2005 nickel?
The “Speared Buffalo” error is the most well-known error on the 2005 nickel. This error occurs when a die breaks during the minting process and a piece of metal from the broken die embeds itself in the coin, creating a small, raised line on the reverse side of the coin that appears to spear the buffalo. This error is relatively uncommon and has the potential to significantly increase the coin’s value.
Does the 2005 nickel have a buffalo on it?
Yes, the reverse side of the 2005 nickel depicts a buffalo. The design is a nod to the Buffalo nickel, which was in circulation from 1913 to 1938.
How do you identify a 2005 speared Buffalo nickel?
To identify a 2005 speared Buffalo nickel, look for a raised line on the reverse side of the coin that appears to spear the buffalo. The line should be placed above and below the buffalo’s back and head. Because the speared Buffalo error is relatively uncommon, coins with this error can be quite valuable to collectors.
Is a Buffalo nickel special?
The Buffalo nickel is considered a special coin due to its unique design and historical significance, despite the fact that it is quite common and was minted in large quantities. The Buffalo nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938 and features an image of a buffalo on one side and an Indian chief on the other designed by James Earle Fraser. The Buffalo nickel is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic designs in American coinage history.
Have 2005 MS60 uncirculated buffalo nickel. Cannot find the value.