How much is a 1918 nickel worth?

A circulated 1918 Philadelphia nickel in Good condition is worth about $4–$8. Better circulated grades (VF-20) fetch around $17–$18. Uncirculated examples (MS-62) start at roughly $200–$250. Gem examples (MS-65) bring $1,100–$1,300. The rare 1918/7-D overdate commands $900 even in worn condition, rising to over $350,000 in the finest known grades. The 1918-S is the key date among regular issues.

What makes the 1918/7-D overdate so valuable?

The 1918/7-D overdate was created when the Denver Mint overhubbed a 1917 die with 1918 numerals to save time during wartime production. Remnants of the underlying '7' remain visible inside and above the '8.' Only a single die was responsible, making every genuine example traceable to one source. PCGS and NGC have certified only a small number of Mint State examples, and the top auction result was $350,750 for an MS-65 specimen at Bowers & Merena in 2006.

How do I identify the 1918/7-D overdate?

Examine the date under 5× to 10× magnification, focusing on the '8' in the date. On genuine overdates, the curved serif of the underlying '7' protrudes above the horizontal bar of the '8,' and a diagonal line from the '7' is visible to the lower right. The coin must also carry a 'D' mint mark. A tiny die crack just above the braid tie on the obverse is a secondary diagnostic. Never purchase an attributed example without PCGS or NGC certification due to widespread counterfeiting.

What is the 1918 Two Feathers variety?

The Two Feathers variety (FS-401) occurred when mint workers polished worn dies too aggressively, inadvertently removing the innermost feather of the Indian's headdress. Normal Buffalo nickels show three feathers; on the FS-401, only two remain. Both the Philadelphia and San Francisco 1918 issues have documented Two Feathers varieties. PCGS recognizes 27 Two Feathers varieties across the entire Buffalo nickel series. In circulated grades, the 1918 Two Feathers trades for a meaningful premium over a regular coin.

Is the 1918-S nickel a key date?

Yes, the 1918-S is considered a key date for the Buffalo nickel series. San Francisco struck only 4,882,000 pieces in 1918, the lowest 1918 mintage. A large proportion wore heavily in circulation, making problem-free circulated examples genuinely scarce. In Fine grade, the 1918-S trades for around $155. In MS-63, values reach $3,000–$3,750. The auction record for the 1918-S stands at $125,350 for an MS-66 example sold by Bowers & Merena in 2008.

What is the 1918 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR FS-801)?

The 1918 DDR FS-801 is a formally attributed die variety on the Philadelphia issue. It shows noticeable doubling on reverse design elements, created when the die received a misaligned impression from the hub during manufacture. The doubling is best visible on lettering and the buffalo's profile under magnification. Greysheet lists values between $190 and $850 depending on grade. Because it is a CONECA/PCGS-attributed variety with a specific FS number, certified examples are the safest to buy.

How do I grade a 1918 Buffalo nickel?

Focus on the buffalo's hip and right flank — these are the first high points to show wear. In Worn (G-4/VG-8) grades, the horn is flat or nearly gone and LIBERTY is faint. In Fine (F-12), the rim is complete but the horn shows only partial definition. Uncirculated coins (MS-60+) retain full original luster with no trace of wear on the hip. Note that many 1918-D and 1918-S pieces were weakly struck at the Mint, so apparent flatness on the horn may reflect poor strike rather than circulation wear.

Should I clean my 1918 Buffalo nickel?

Absolutely not. Cleaning removes original surface patina and luster, which grading services classify as 'details' or 'cleaned' — permanently lowering the coin's grade and market value. Even gentle polishing with a soft cloth destroys microscopic luster lines that distinguish uncirculated coins. A coin that might grade MS-62 ($200–$250) can be worth a fraction of that after cleaning. Store Buffalo nickels in non-PVC holders and handle them only by the edges.

Where is the mint mark on a 1918 Buffalo nickel?

The mint mark on all Buffalo nickels is located on the reverse side, just below the words FIVE CENTS and above the ground line on which the buffalo stands. Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mint mark. Denver coins show a 'D' and San Francisco coins show an 'S' in that location. Check under magnification if the area is worn, since the mint mark can become indistinct on heavily circulated specimens, particularly on San Francisco and Denver issues which often show weakness in that zone.

Is it worth getting a 1918 nickel professionally graded?

Professional grading (PCGS or NGC) is strongly recommended for any 1918-D coin suspected of being the /7 overdate, any coin believed to grade MS-63 or better, and any 1918-S in Fine or better condition. The authentication process for the 1918/7-D overdate is especially important since counterfeits and altered dates exist. Grading fees typically run $30–$65 per coin at standard service levels — cost-effective when potential value ranges from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

1918 Nickel Value: No Mint Mark, D, S (Updated 2026)

Free 1918 Buffalo Nickel Value Calculator

Select your mint mark, condition, and any known errors, then click Calculate to get an instant estimate.

Step 1 — Mint Mark

Step 2 — Condition

Step 3 — Known Errors / Varieties

If you're not yet sure about your coin's mint mark or condition, there's a free 1918 Nickel Coin Value Checker tool that lets you upload a photo of your coin and get an AI-powered estimate without needing any prior numismatic knowledge.

Describe Your 1918 Nickel for a Detailed Assessment

Type a description of your coin below — our analyzer looks for key identifying details and returns a tailored assessment.

Mention these if you can

Mint mark (D, S, or none)
Any trace of a "7" behind the "8" in the date
Number of feathers in the headdress (2 or 3?)
Condition of the buffalo's horn
Presence of original luster

Also helpful

Any doubling visible on lettering
Off-center or partial design visible
Thin peeling or flaking on the surface
Die crack lines on the coin
Color and toning description

1918/7-D Overdate Self-Checker

The 1918/7-D overdate is worth at least $900 even in well-worn condition — but fakes and altered dates exist. Use this checklist to assess whether your Denver coin might be genuine.

1918 Buffalo nickel obverse and reverse showing the Indian portrait, buffalo, and mint mark area

🔵 Regular 1918-D — Common

Date reads cleanly as "1918" with no ghost numerals
The "8" in the date has a smooth, unobstructed crossbar
No extra serif or line above the "8" when viewed under 10×
Worth $12–$30 in worn condition

🟡 1918/7-D Overdate — Rare

Curved serif of a "7" protrudes above the "8" crossbar
A diagonal line from the underlying "7" trails to the lower right
Tiny die crack above the braid tie on the obverse
Worth $900–$350,750 depending on grade

Side-by-side date comparison: regular 1918-D nickel (left) vs 1918/7-D overdate showing remnants of the 7 under the 8 (right)

Check all that apply to your 1918-D nickel:

Under 5× or 10× magnification, the top of the "8" in the date shows what appears to be a curved serif or extra line above the crossbar.
A faint diagonal stroke or trace from an underlying numeral extends toward the lower right from the base of the "8."
The coin carries a clear "D" mint mark below FIVE CENTS on the reverse.
A thin die crack or raised line is visible just above the braid tie on the Indian's portrait (obverse, under magnification).

1918 Buffalo Nickel Value Chart at a Glance

The table below covers all five major varieties across worn through gem condition. For a full illustrated step-by-step 1918 nickel identification breakdown and additional grading photos, see the complete 1918 Buffalo nickel guide with in-depth identification reference. Rows highlighted in gold indicate the signature variety; orange indicates the key date issue.

Variety	Worn (G–VG)	Circulated (F–AU)	Uncirculated (MS-60–63)	Gem MS (MS-64+)
1918-P (Philadelphia)	$4 – $10	$17 – $100	$200 – $400	$540 – $55,200
1918-D (Denver)	$12 – $30	$30 – $520	$600 – $1,000+	$3,650 – $31,200
1918-S (San Francisco) ★ Key Date	$20 – $30	$155 – $625	$900 – $3,000+	$12,500 – $125,350
1918/7-D Overdate ★ Signature Variety	$900 – $1,650	$1,750 – $29,000	$47,000 – $55,000	$75,000 – $350,750
Two Feathers FS-401 (P & S)	$70 – $130	$200 – $800	$1,000 – $2,500	$3,600 – $5,750
DDR FS-801 (Philadelphia)	$90 – $190	$300 – $600	$600 – $800	$800 – $850

Values reflect problem-free examples. Gold highlight = 1918/7-D Overdate (signature). Orange highlight = 1918-S (key date). Sources: PCGS Price Guide, NGC Price Guide, Heritage Auctions (2025–2026 data).

📱 CoinHix is a fast on-the-go tool for estimating coin values and identifying varieties by photo — snap your 1918 nickel and cross-check it against current market data — a coin identifier and value app.

The Valuable 1918 Buffalo Nickel Errors — Complete Guide

The 1918 Buffalo nickel series produced some of the most prized die varieties in all of American numismatics. The six varieties below range from the iconic 1918/7-D overdate — a six-figure trophy — to more accessible attributed errors that reward careful inspection with a loupe. Each card covers what the error is, how to spot it, and what drives collector demand.

Close-up of the 1918/7-D overdate Buffalo nickel date showing the ghost of the 7 beneath the 8

Most Famous

1918/7-D Overdate (FS-101)

$900 – $350,750+

The 1918/7-D overdate was born from a wartime shortcut at the Denver Mint. To keep pace with heavy nickel demand during World War I, mint workers repunched an 1917 obverse die with the new 1918 date rather than cutting a fresh die. The underlying "7" was never fully obliterated, leaving a permanent ghost behind the "8."

Every genuine 1918/7-D traces back to a single die, meaning every authentic example shares the same diagnostic markers. The curved serif of the "7" protrudes visibly above the horizontal crossbar of the "8," and a diagonal line from the base of the "7" trails to the lower right when examined under a 5× or 10× loupe.

Collector demand for this variety is extraordinary and sustained. With only a small number of Mint State examples certified by PCGS and NGC, the 1918/7-D regularly appears in major auction catalogs. Widespread counterfeiting and date-alteration means that expert third-party certification from PCGS or NGC is non-negotiable before purchasing or selling any example.

How to spot it Look for the curved top of a "7" rising above the crossbar of the final "8" in the date under 10× magnification. A diagonal trace from the ghost "7" should extend lower-right. A tiny die crack above the braid tie on the obverse confirms authenticity.

Mint mark D (Denver) only — this variety does not exist on Philadelphia or San Francisco issues.

Notable PCGS #3939 (FS-101 by CONECA). Auction record: $350,750 in MS-65 at Bowers & Merena, August 2006. Approximately 24 Mint State examples known per PCGS census at time of that sale. Earlier sale: $287,500 in 2004.

1918-S Buffalo nickel reverse showing the S mint mark below FIVE CENTS

Key Date

1918-S San Francisco — Key Date

$20 – $125,350+

San Francisco struck only 4,882,000 Buffalo nickels in 1918 — the lowest mintage of the three mints that year and less than one-sixth the Philadelphia output. The low production numbers alone would make the 1918-S scarce, but the survival situation is compounded by the fact that a large proportion of the issue circulated heavily and wore to dateless status.

Identifying a 1918-S requires confirming the "S" mint mark on the reverse below FIVE CENTS. In worn grades, the mint mark can itself be difficult to distinguish from a flat strike. Visually, the 1918-S is notorious alongside the 1918-D for weak strikes — the buffalo's horn and the Indian's braid frequently lack full definition even on uncirculated pieces.

In Fine grade, the 1918-S commands around $155 — a significant multiple over a comparable Philadelphia issue. At the gem level, values escalate sharply: the auction record of $125,350 for an MS-66 example demonstrates how extreme the scarcity is at the top of the grade scale, where only a handful of examples are certified.

How to spot it Find the "S" mint mark on the reverse below FIVE CENTS, above the ground line. In circulated grades use a 5× loupe; the mark can be partially flat. Strike weakness on the horn and braid does not affect attribution — check the mint mark location first.

Mint mark S (San Francisco) only. Mintage: 4,882,000 — lowest of the three 1918 issues.

Notable Auction record $125,350 for MS-66 (Bowers & Merena, April 2008). PCGS Price Guide lists MS-65 at $14,500. The 1918-S is widely considered a key date alongside the 1926-S in the Buffalo nickel series; problem-free AU examples are genuinely hard to locate.

Most Collectable

Two Feathers Variety (FS-401)

$70 – $5,750+

The Two Feathers variety is the result of over-zealous die maintenance at the mint. When obverse dies wore down during a production run, mint workers polished them to extend their useful life. On the coins that became the FS-401 variety, that polishing removed the innermost feather of the Indian's headdress entirely — leaving only two feathers visible where three should appear.

Detection requires close inspection of the headdress near the top of the Indian's portrait. A normal 1918 Buffalo nickel shows three distinct feathers; the Two Feathers coin shows only two, with a smooth, slightly recessed area where the third feather once was. The variety appears on both Philadelphia and San Francisco 1918 issues and is formally attributed by PCGS as FS-401.

PCGS recognizes 27 distinct Two Feathers varieties across the entire Buffalo nickel series, making the 1918 examples part of a well-documented collector sub-specialty. In Greysheet pricing, circulated examples trade from $70 to several hundred dollars, while gem examples have reached $5,750 at auction. The 1918-S Two Feathers commands a higher premium than the Philadelphia issue due to the lower base mintage.

How to spot it Examine the top of the Indian's headdress under 5× magnification. Count the feathers: three is standard. If only two are present and the space where the inner feather should be appears smooth or polished flat, you have a potential FS-401. Compare to reference images of a normal example for confirmation.

Mint mark P (Philadelphia) and S (San Francisco) issues both confirmed. Denver issues do not carry this variety.

Notable Formally attributed as FS-401 by CONECA; PCGS recognizes both 1918-P and 1918-S examples. Greysheet values range $70–$5,750. The 1918-S Two Feathers (FS-401) trades at a significant premium over the Philadelphia variety at equivalent grades due to lower base mintage.

1918 Buffalo nickel Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 showing doubling on the FIVE CENTS lettering on the reverse

Best Kept Secret

Doubled Die Reverse — DDR FS-801

$190 – $850+

The DDR FS-801 is a formally attributed die variety on the 1918 Philadelphia issue. It was created when the reverse die received two impressions from the hub during the hubbing process, with the second impression slightly misaligned relative to the first. This misalignment was baked into every coin struck from that die.

Doubling is most pronounced on the reverse lettering — particularly on FIVE CENTS and E PLURIBUS UNUM — and on elements of the buffalo's profile. Under a 10× loupe, the secondary image appears as a notched or split edge on affected letters. The doubling is genuine die doubling (Class V or similar) rather than machine doubling, which would show flat shelf-like displacement.

Because the DDR FS-801 is an officially cataloged PCGS variety, it attracts a dedicated constituency of Buffalo nickel error collectors. Greysheet lists values between $190 in the lowest circulated grades and $850 for gem Mint State examples — modest compared to the overdate but meaningful for a variety that rewards careful examination. Certified examples command premiums over raw coins given the existence of unmarked counterpart coins.

How to spot it Examine the reverse lettering FIVE CENTS and E PLURIBUS UNUM under a 10× loupe. Look for a notched second image on the letters — genuine die doubling shows rounded secondary relief, while machine doubling leaves a flat shelf. The buffalo's shoulder and horn area may also show doubling in pronounced examples.

Mint mark P (Philadelphia) — no mint mark on reverse. This variety has been documented only on the Philadelphia issue for 1918.

Notable Listed as FS-801 by CONECA; formally cataloged in the PCGS variety database. Greysheet CPG values: $190 (circulated) to $850 (gem MS). Acquiring a certified PCGS or NGC example is recommended to distinguish genuine die doubling from the far more common machine doubling found on many circulated Buffalo nickels.

1918 Buffalo nickel off-center strike showing partial design and blank planchet crescent with date still visible

Rarest Type

Off-Center Strike Error

$40 – $200+

Off-center strike errors occur when a planchet is not properly centered in the coin collar at the moment of striking, causing the dies to impress the design onto the blank in a misaligned position. The result is a coin where part of the design is missing and a curved crescent of blank planchet is visible on one or both sides.

For a 1918 off-center nickel to be identifiable — and therefore valuable — the date must remain visible in the design. A coin struck 15–25% off center with a legible "1918" in the date area is a sought-after error coin. Pieces with 50% or more off-center displacement and a clear date are especially desirable. The mint mark location may also remain on some examples, which adds further attribution value.

Premium values for 1918 off-center nickels depend almost entirely on the percentage of displacement and the legibility of the date. A modest 5–10% off-center strike adds only a small collector premium. A dramatic 50%+ strike with full date visibility commands $100 or more above the coin's base numismatic value. Certified examples from PCGS or NGC are graded in a special notation such as "MS-64, 15% Off Center."

How to spot it Look for a curved blank crescent on one side of the coin where the design is missing entirely. The design elements present should be sharply struck — soft design on the struck portion suggests a different issue. Date must be fully visible to make attribution to 1918 possible and to support the collector premium.

Mint mark Can occur at any of the three mints — P, D, or S. Denver and San Francisco examples with visible date and mint mark command the highest premiums due to the lower base mintage of those issues.

Notable Value depends on percentage off-center: 5–10% adds $20–$40; 15–25% with date visible adds $40–$75; 50%+ with date adds $100+. PCGS and NGC grade and certify mint error coins with special designations noting the percentage of displacement. Significant examples surface at Heritage and Stack's/Bowers specialty error coin auctions.

1918 Buffalo Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Group of 1918 Buffalo nickels from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints showing all three mint mark varieties

Total 1918 nickel production across all three mints reached approximately 45.3 million pieces — a sizable run on paper, but survival in collectible grades has been heavily impacted by heavy wartime and postwar circulation. Denver and San Francisco pieces in particular were used hard; a large fraction of both issues wore to the point that the date became illegible.

Mint	Mint Mark	Mintage	Key Notes
Philadelphia	None	32,086,314	Includes DDR FS-801 variety; Two Feathers FS-401 exists; most affordable entry point for series collectors
Denver	D	8,362,000	Includes the famous 1918/7-D overdate (FS-101); often weakly struck; scarce in gem condition
San Francisco	S	4,882,000	Key date; Two Feathers FS-401 exists; extremely rare in gem MS; many worn dateless
Total 1918		45,330,314	All three issues; proof coinage not produced in 1918

Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel · Weight: 5.0 grams · Diameter: 21.2 mm · Designer: James Earle Fraser · Edge: Plain · No proof coinage was struck in 1918.

How to Grade Your 1918 Buffalo Nickel

Grading determines value more than almost any other factor. The four condition tiers below match the calculator's options. The critical grading point on a Buffalo nickel is the buffalo's hip and right flank — not the horn, which can be flat on genuine uncirculated coins due to weak striking.

Grading strip showing four 1918 Buffalo nickels from worn Good-4 through circulated VF-20 through uncirculated MS-62 to gem MS-65

Worn — G to VG (1–10)

The buffalo's horn is almost entirely flat or absent. LIBERTY and the date are readable but heavily worn. The rim may be partially merged with the lettering on very worn coins. Value for a Philadelphia piece: roughly $4–$10. A 1918-S in this condition: $20–$30.

Circulated — F to AU (12–58)

At Fine (F-12), the horn shows some definition and LIBERTY is complete. By AU-50, only slight wear touches the highest points — the hip and cheek — and more than half the original luster is preserved. A large portion of the market for 1918 nickels lives in this range: $17 to $625 depending on mint and exact grade.

Uncirculated — MS-60 to MS-63

No wear at all on any surface — but bag marks and contact marks from mint handling are expected. Luster is complete but may be impaired. The 1918-D and 1918-S frequently show weak strikes even in mint state. Philadelphia MS-62 examples currently trade around $200–$385.

Gem MS — MS-64 and Above

Full luster, sharper strike than most, minimal contact marks. At MS-65 and above, the 1918 Philadelphia is the rarest Buffalo nickel of that mint in gem condition. Marks may be visible only under magnification. Philadelphia MS-64 coins sell for around $480–$540; MS-66 examples have fetched $1,860–$3,840 at Heritage in 2024–2025.

🔬 Pro tip — Strike vs. Wear: Many 1918-D and 1918-S nickels left the mint already showing flat horn detail and mushy braid definition due to die fatigue, not circulation. When assessing these coins, focus on the buffalo's hip flank — if it retains original luster (a cartwheel sheen under rotating light) with no flat gray wear patches, the coin is likely uncirculated despite the weak horn. This distinction can mean a $200 difference in grade and value.

📷 CoinHix helps you match your coin's condition against graded examples in its database — snap a photo and compare your 1918 nickel's surfaces to certified MS specimens in seconds — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1918 Buffalo Nickel

The best venue depends on what you have. A circulated common-date coin sells fastest locally. A high-grade gem or the /7 overdate deserves a national auction stage where serious collectors compete.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

Heritage is the world's largest numismatic auction house and the natural home for any 1918 nickel in MS-64 or above, any 1918-S in Fine or better, or any certified 1918/7-D overdate. Their Buffalo nickel buyer pool is deep and competitive, driving prices to or above catalog. Consignment fees are negotiable for high-value lots. The 1918-P MS-67+ record ($55,200) and the 1918-D MS-67 record ($31,200) were both set at Heritage.

🛒 eBay

eBay is the most liquid marketplace for circulated 1918 nickels in G through AU grades. Completed listings for recently sold 1918 Buffalo nickel prices and actual auction results give you a real-time read on what buyers are paying right now. Use the "Sold listings" filter to see completed sales, not just asking prices. PCGS- or NGC-certified coins consistently sell at a meaningful premium over raw examples on this platform.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

A trusted local dealer offers instant cash and avoids shipping risk — practical for heavily circulated pieces worth under $100. Expect offers at 40–60% of retail for common-grade coins; dealers need margin to resell. Bring comparable sold eBay listings as reference. For anything scarce (1918-S, overdate, gem), a local shop is rarely the best exit — the national audience at auction or eBay reaches more motivated buyers.

💬 Reddit r/Coins4Sale

The r/Coins4Sale and r/CoinSwap subreddits connect sellers directly to knowledgeable collector buyers, eliminating auction house fees. Best for mid-grade pieces in the $20–$200 range where auction minimums don't make sense. Provide clear high-resolution photos of both sides, the grade (raw or certified), and your asking price. Community members are experienced and expect fair pricing based on current market data.

💡 Get it graded first — especially for the 1918/7-D. Certification by PCGS or NGC adds credibility, prevents disputes, and typically more than pays for itself on any coin worth over $200. For the 1918/7-D overdate specifically, third-party authentication is essential: convincing fakes exist, and an unattributed coin may sell for a fraction of its true value. Standard service levels run $30–$65 per coin; premium submission options are available for higher-value pieces.

The 1918 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide