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The 1938-D Buffalo nickel is the last of the regular-issue coins in this series, which was replaced later in 1938 by the still-running Jefferson nickel series. While this issue is actually one of the lower-mintage 1930s issues, with only 7,020,000 minted, it is by far the most common in uncirculated grades. Many were saved in roll quantities due to collectors knowing this would be the last Buffalo nickel minted. An impressive 100,000 or so examples exist in uncirculated grades, with approximately 80,000 in MS65 grades. Several dozen are certified in grades as high as MS68, and it is not difficult to pick out some tremendously beautiful examples of this last-year issue.
Obverse Description
James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse Description
A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Catalog Information
GSID:
3147
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1938
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Weight (gr):
5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Buffalo
Coin Date:
1938-D
Denomination:
5c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Denver
Mint Mark:
D
Mintage:
7,020,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
3984
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Coin Value History
1938-D 5c Buffalo MS
Value By Grade
1938-D 5c Buffalo MS
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS68 |
|
$6,000 | $1,234 |
| MS68 | - | $3,600 | $1,234 |
| MS67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20220224/www_davidlawrence_com_product_2199064_-0.20220224083111332.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $4 – $16,000
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $4 – $16,000
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $8 – $40,200
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $16 – $19,200
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/26d-3l-obv.jpeg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $0 – $4,800
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $5 – $3,600
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $50 – $36,000
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $115 – $30,000
1914 5c MS
Worth: $6 – $4,020
1914/(3) 5c MS
Worth: $150 – $50,000
1914-D 5c MS
Worth: $35 – $21,600
1914-S 5c MS
Worth: $14 – $75,000
1915 5c MS
Worth: $3 – $9,600
1915-D 5c MS
Worth: $8 – $18,000
1915-S 5c MS
Worth: $24 – $50,000
Lot of (4) 1938-D Buffalo Nickels. MS-66 (PCGS).
$268
1938-D 5C Buffalo MS67 NGC. CDN: $145 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 7,020,000. ...
$139
1938-D 5C Buffalo MS65 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 1.2 "rattler" holder. CDN: $30 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 7,...
$99
1938-D 5C MS68 NGC. CDN: $2,900 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS68. Mintage 7,020,000. ...
$1,769
1938-D 5C MS64 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 1.2 "rattler" holder. CDN: $24 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 7,020,000....
$134
1938-D/D 5C WRPM-001, MS62 ANACS. Plate. Mintage 7,020,000.Flynn Reference and Cross Reference: RPM-001. Plate coin...
$67
1938-D Buffalo 5c PCGS MS63
$30
1938-D Buffalo 5c PCGS AU58
$15
1938-D Buffalo 5c PCGS UNC Details (Env. Damage)
$20
1938-D 5C --Scratched--ICG. MS60 Details. NGC Census: (0/25422). PCGS Population (0/49293). Mintage: 7,020,000. Numismedia W...
$21
1938-D 5C Buffalo MS66 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 3.0 green label holder. CDN: $60 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage ...
$114
1938-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-67+ (NGC).
$390
1938-D 5C MS65 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 1.2 "rattler" holder. CDN: $30 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 7,020,0...
$119
1938-D 5C MS68★ NGC. ...
$2,074
1938-D Buffalo Nickel. MS-64 (ANACS). OH.
$85
1938-D 5C Buffalo Nickel -- Struck on a Defective Planchet -- MS62 NGC. ...
$109
1938-D Buffalo 5c ANACS MS63
$120
1938-D 5C RPM AU58 PCGS. PCGS Population (46/55733). NGC Census: (36/28854). Mintage: 7,020,000. Numismedia Wsl. Price for ...
$20
1938-D Buffalo 5c PCGS Genuine UNC Details (Machine Damage) - No Reserve!
$12
1938-D 5C --Environmental Damage--NCS. UNC60 Details. NGC Census: (0/24477). PCGS Population (0/47214). Mintage: 7,020,000. ...
$11
Greysheet News
Special Quarters Headed for Circulation
8/10/2026
The Business of Numismatics: August 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
With the month of July and all the celebrations of Independence Day behind us, the rare coin market looks with anticipation to August.
8/7/2026
Stack's Bowers Galleries Presents the Extraordinary Mack C. Chase Collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars in the 2026 Global Showcase Auction
"These coins have been off the market for at least 10-15 years, and many of them are in older generation grading holders as well, adding to the excitement," comments John M. Pack.
8/7/2026
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