Price Guide for 1926 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $16,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $113.53Uncirculated: $25.00 – $2,374.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $6,462.50Uncirculated: $1.00 – $322,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.75 – $5,000.00Uncirculated: $1,912.87 – $10,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $4,750.00Uncirculated: $5,500.00 – $250,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $1,731.00Uncirculated: $2.35 – $70,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.53 – $587.00Uncirculated: $69.95 – $1,647.45
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $2,530.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $54.88 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $9,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $360.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.99 – $314.90Uncirculated: $342.00 – $545.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $432.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $245.00 – $399.00Uncirculated: $128.70 – $409.09
Design and Specifications of the 1926 Nickel
The 1926 Buffalo Nickel is part of the iconic series that ran from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin features a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, symbolizing the American frontier spirit. 1926 was a year of relatively high mintage for the Buffalo Nickel, with coins produced at three different mints.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1926 Buffalo Nickels. Due to the coin’s design, the date and mint mark were prone to wear, making well-preserved examples highly sought after. Coins with full horn details on the bison command significant premiums.
For the scarcer San Francisco issue, even circulated examples in Fine condition can be valuable. Uncirculated specimens with original luster are particularly desirable for all mint marks, with the S-mint being the most valuable.
Mintage: 44,693,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of the series
Mintage: 5,638,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage
Mintage: 970,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, considered a semi-key date
Strike quality is particularly important for Buffalo Nickels. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the bison’s horn and the Indian’s braids, are more valuable. The presence of original mint luster can significantly increase a coin’s desirability.
Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. For the 1926-S in particular, any high-grade example is considered rare and valuable due to the low mintage and poor striking quality typical of that year.
