Price Guide for 1918 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1918 Nickel 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.
1918 Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 - $185.00Uncirculated: $1.60 - $55,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 - $697.77Uncirculated: $7.50 - $3,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 - $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 - $70,000.00
1918-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 - $2,340.00Uncirculated: $2.85 - $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.99 - $868.00Uncirculated: $310.77 - $4,194.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $22.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $38,500.00
1918/7-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 - $37,375.00Uncirculated: $9,988.00 - $350,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $160.00 - $17,500.00Uncirculated: $3,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 - $32,500.00Uncirculated: $35,000.00 - $550,000.00
1918-S Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 - $2,520.00Uncirculated: $3.00 - $125,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 - $911.01Uncirculated: $345.00 - $25,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 - $1,150.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 - $60,000.00
1918/7-D Nickel Overdate FS-101 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00 - $25,850.00Uncirculated: $30,000.00 - $63,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $611.02 - $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 - $3,500.00
1918-S Nickel 2 Feathers FS-401 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 - $1,093.00Uncirculated: $2,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.73 - $775.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 - $1,075.00Uncirculated: $1,350.00 - $5,000.00
1918 Nickel DDR FS-801 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 - $600.00Uncirculated: $776.00 - $10,575.00
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eBayCirculated: $46.10 - $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 - $515.00Uncirculated: $650.00 - $10,000.00
1918 Nickel 2 Feathers FS-401 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 - $3,290.00Uncirculated: $2,040.00 - $12,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.01 - $610.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 - $3,800.00Uncirculated: $4,250.00 - $13,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1918 Nickel
The 1918 Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was part of a series first introduced in 1913. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history, as it was minted during the final year of World War I. The design, created by James Earle Fraser, aimed to capture the spirit of the American West and Native American culture.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco); No mint mark for Philadelphia |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Native American, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | American bison (buffalo) standing on a mound, designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1918 Buffalo Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to the coin's design, the date and the buffalo's horn were often the first areas to show wear, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or above.
The quality of the strike is also crucial, as many Buffalo Nickels suffered from weak strikes, particularly on the reverse. Strong, full strikes command higher premiums. Additionally, coins with attractive, original luster and minimal contact marks are more desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 32,086,314
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 8,362,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 4,882,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly affect the value of a 1918 Buffalo Nickel. Coins with attractive, natural toning often command premiums over untoned examples. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
The San Francisco mint coins from this year are particularly valuable due to their lower mintage and scarcity in high grades. Full Horn details on the reverse are highly prized by collectors and can substantially increase a coin's value, especially for the scarcer Denver and San Francisco issues.
Lastly, any major mint errors or die varieties, while not common for this year, could potentially add significant value to a 1918 Buffalo Nickel if discovered.
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