Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 10/5/2026: Gold $4131 | Silver $60.80

Recognizing and Judging Specific Visible Features Identifies Each Buffalo Nickel Grade

A Buffalo nickel's grade defines its condition into a term used in the hobby. These grade terms become an essential part of a complete description of the coin. The coin's date, mint, and now grade, point to its place on value charts.

Follow the comparison method in the video highlighting the specific levels of detail required to qualify for a grade. The combination of judging visual elements with described standards decides a coin's grade.

Mint State Grade Qualities
Obverse: No wear present with all high points of design intact.

• Confirm original luster remains on the small tops of contours.
• Cheek, Hair, and Forehead have a similar texture as low relief areas nearby.
• Wear appears as small, smooth spots on high points with a distinct color change and lack of luster.

Reverse: Superior original surfaces without signs of wear

• Inspect to Buffalo's back looking for complete luster without any breaks.
• Further inspect the high contours of the hip and chest, confirming a match of the metal surface with lower reliefs.

Extremely Fine Grade
Obverse: Fine line details clear with only small areas of merging elements define the grade.

• Hair details above part line very clear with no merging of hair strands.
• Indian's cheek shows a small, smooth, flat area on its very top contour.
• Cheek remains separated from hairline by a lower contour.
• Ribbon typing the braid shows some smooth metal on high points.

Reverse: Light wear on highest contours.

• Buffalo's head shows the greatest amount of wear. Worn metal surrounds the horn detail.
• Horn remains completely outlined.
• Shoulder, Chest, and Hip of the Buffalo have small areas flattening their highest contours.
• Importantly, low contours separate Shoulder, Chest, and Hip from each other. No widespread connecting of these features.

Fine Grade
Obverse: Flat areas, due to wear, cover many major details.

• Date must show clearly with all numbers fully outlined
• Hair detail above part line displays areas of merging detail; some deep recesses remain.
• Lettering of LIBERTY clear. Only slight merging of one or two letters with the rim.

Reverse: Buffalo appears bold with major contours distinct.

• Horn outlined along its lower end with half or more visible.
• Top of Buffalo's back remains with fur detail.
• Distinct contours visible on shoulder, chest, and hip.

Good Grade
Obverse: Key features remain semi-visible among wide areas of worn flat metal.

• Date identifiable, often only partially visible.
• Hair detail above part line now worn smooth with few recesses remaining.
• Letters of LIBERTY clear along their lower half. Tops of letters faded and connected with rim.

Reverse: Some detail shows on the Buffalo, although worn mostly smooth.

• Head, Shoulder, and Hip now show few raised contours. Flat metal connects the Head, Shoulder, and Hip.
• Lettering mostly clear, with some fading into the rim. Many areas of the rim show a distinct inner edge.

How to Grade Buffalo Nickels

With added grading images and descriptions continue the comparison method Grading Buffalo Nickels.

Grading Old Coins: How-To Guides

Examine and judge specific grading features of the different coin series. These coin series range from old pennies to silver dollars. In depth descriptions, images, and videos identify the grades used to define their condition. Using a comparison method, visually match your coin to reference images and typical grading patterns.

Buffalo Nickel Value | Combinations of Date, Mint, and Grade Determine Worth

A complete value chart lists date and mint combinations. Values then climb the condition scale. This highlights the many dates in the series that are scarce, if not rare. Collectors today seek these popular collectible coins.

★Coin Values Discovery

All old U.S. coin values. Start with this index of images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, along with a step-by-step process, uncovers how much your box of old coins is worth. Verify each coin's series, date, condition, and special qualities.