Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 3/18/2024: Gold $2147 | Silver $25.02


1917 Nickel Value

The 1917 nickel value starts at $3 and quickly rises to over $15 for coins with mintmarks.

Uncirculated 1917 Nickel Value

These older mint marked nickels were produced in lower quantities than the number of coins minted at the Philadelphia mint, resulting in fewer surviving today. And the hardest to find is the "S" mintmark, a $15 coin.

The minimum values quoted are coins exhibiting extensive wear to their surfaces. The designs are mostly smooth and the date barely visible, a condition collectors term "Good". Any improvement in the condition of your coin and the value rises quickly.

The coin pictured is an example that never circulated, as a result no wear to its surfaces. This "uncirculated" 1917 nickel is valued over $65, because of its outstanding condition.

Few have survived in this nice, justifying the price, also it would make a fine addition to any collection.

1917 Nickel S Mintmark Location

A quick check of the chart shows how the 1917 nickel value is dramatically affected by condition.

The above are wholesale values, what you would expect to receive when selling your coins.

Four different "grades" and the separate mints are listed. A 1917-S is a Buffalo nickel minted at the San Francisco mint, The "D" indicates the Denver mint, and the Philadelphia mint did not use a mintmark. Examine the reverse under the Buffalo to find the all important "S" or "D" mark.

1917 Nickel Value
 Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Uncirculated
  1917 Nickel Value Updated 2024
1917 $2.93 $6.07 $13 $60
1917 D $15 $39 $91 $331
1917 S $20 $57 $87 $647

1917 Nickel Value Leads to a Family Collection

The strong 1917 nickel value forms the beginning of a worthy collection. However putting aside the condition of the coin and value, consider just the appeal of the series, few coins are as popular and visually stunning.

Buffalo nickels span the historically important years 1913 through 1938. Decades that include WWI, the roaring 20's, the great depression and the "dust bowl" weather of the Midwest, to name a few.

Nickels were necessary in everyday life, purchasing many household items. Your nickel is now a connection to the people who used these coins and lived at that time, parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Expand on the dates you own, trade duplicates to help build a collection that includes family history and value. The sharing your knowledge and the experiences as you build the collection is fascinating.

Easily transfer the excitement to your children. The boldness of the Indian and Buffalo design will capture their interest and imagination. A Buffalo nickel collection strengthens a bond through the family all the way back to your ancestors.

Your box of old coins becomes something appreciated and valued.

Judge Condition Accurately for Higher 1917 Nickel Value

Aside from date and mintmarks, "grading" your coins further narrows and often discovers higher values. Collectors study the condition of their coins closely, to accurately keep track of how much their Buffalo nickel collection is worth.

On circulated coins the amount of wear on the surface is judged and used to assign a grade.

1917 Nickel Uncirculated Condition

Uncirculated: Buffalo nickels that show no wear on their surface are graded as Uncirculated and avidly sought. The highest point of the design, the Indian's braid and hair above it are the first to show wear. Examine also the reverse, looking along the back of the Buffalo for breaks in luster. An uncirculated Buffalo nickel appears as brand new.

1917 Nickel Extremely Fine Condition

Extremely Fine: A nice fresh looking coin with just light wear, this coin circulated through commerce only briefly. Traces of wear run across the top of the head of the Buffalo and friction is visible on the cheek and hair detail of the Indian.

1917 Nickel Fine Condition

Fine: In this condition large areas of the Indian's hair are worn to the point most detail is flat and joined together. The design of the Buffalo has not fared well either, from the top of the front leg to the hoof is smooth and flat. Enough detail does remain however to give the coin a pleasant appearance.

Buffalo Nickel Good Condition

Good: Many Buffalo nickels were not retrieved until long after entering circulation, with such extended use further reducing the sharpness of design. Although the deepest of detail remains in the hair, the distinction between the braid and hair is lost. The rim on the reverse now blends into the head and tail of the Buffalo. This 1917 nickel value is in the minimum range.

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Buffalo Nickel Value
1913 to 1938

Go to...  Buffalo Nickel Value

Buffalo Nickel Value

Check all your buffalo nickel values with the chart. Rising prices, increasing demand from both collectors and rare coin dealers requires a second look at your coins.

Go to...  Old Nickel Values for Shield, Liberty V Nickels and Jefferson Nickels

More Old Nickel Values

Including more relating to your 1917 nickel value. Easily find how much your old coins are worth.

Covering the Nickel series from Shield nickels, Liberty, Buffalo and Jefferson nickels. All include value charts, along side grading images to find the accurate value of your old nickels.

Coin Values Discovery... finds 1917 nickel value and... all old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.

Finding Rare Nickels!

On occasion rare nickels do turn up... old better date buffalo nickels, valuable silver war nickels, even a few Jefferson nickels and others. Search your box of old coins and discover the possibilities of... Finding Rare Nickels