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Demand for early copper and Colonial-era numismatic treasures drives strong results in Heritage Auctions' July 13 Early Copper & Colonial U.S. Coins Showcase Auction
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The 1917 Buffalo nickel is a fairly typical Philadelphia issue from its era, and most of these are pretty well struck. A total of 51,424,019 were struck and there are about 10,000 or so known survivors, with plenty available in circulated grades. There is a decent supply in Gem, and a few dozen in the MS67 range, which is where many registry set collectors focus their sights. PCGS and NGC have slabbed a collective handful in MS68, though these scarcely enter the public trading arena.
Obverse Description
James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse Description
A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Catalog Information
GSID:
326585
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1917
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Weight (gr):
5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Doubled Die Reverse
Variety 2:
FS-802
Coin Date:
1917
Denomination:
5c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
51,424,019
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
38439
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Coin Value History
1917 5c Doubled Die Reverse, FS-802 MS
Value By Grade
1917 5c Doubled Die Reverse, FS-802 MS
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
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Pricing
1917 5C Doubled Die Reverse, FS-802, AU50 PCGS. (FS-016.41). PCGS Population: (2/3). NGC Census: (0/0). AU50....
$360
1917 5C Doubled Die Reverse, FS-802, MS63 PCGS. ...
$2,040
1917 5C Doubled Die Reverse, FS-802, Fine 12 ANACS. Die 2. NGC Census: (0/0). PCGS Population (0/0). Mintage: 51,424,020....
$79
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]
Worth: $4 – $13,000
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $4 – $13,000
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $8 – $40,200
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $16 – $19,200
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]
Worth: $0 – $4,800
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $5 – $3,600
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $50 – $36,000
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $115 – $30,000
1914 5c MS
Worth: $6 – $4,020
1914/(3) 5c MS
Worth: $150 – $50,000
1914-D 5c MS
Worth: $35 – $21,600
1914-S 5c MS
Worth: $14 – $75,000
1915 5c MS
Worth: $3 – $9,600
1915-D 5c MS
Worth: $8 – $18,000
1915-S 5c MS
Worth: $24 – $50,000
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Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
