Buffalo nickels are among the most sought-after commemorative nickel coins. The U.S. mints released them once to honor the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 2005 Buffalo nickels are known to feature a bison, and their value depends on their condition and rarity. Below is in-depth information regarding the 2005 Buffalo nickel.
Table of Contents
- 1 How Much is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel Worth in 2023?
- 2 Overview of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- 3 Historical Background
- 4 2005 Buffalo Nickel No Spear
- 5 2005 Buffalo Nickel D
- 6 2005 Buffalo Nickel Error
- 7 Rare 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- 8 Factors Affecting the Value of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- 9 How to Identify Valuable 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- 10 Where to Buy and Sell Valuable 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- 11 Is a 2005 Nickel With a Buffalo on it Worth Anything?
- 12 Is there Anything Special About 2005 Nickels?
- 13 What is the Error on the 2005 P Buffalo Nickel?
- 14 Conclusion
How Much is a 2005 Buffalo Nickel Worth in 2023?
The 2005 Buffalo nickels have an estimated worth of 5 cents in average condition. Coins in mint state are worth over 5 dollars. Here is a table indicating the 2005 Buffalo Nickel value against mint condition;
| Condition | 2005 P Buffalo Nickel | 2005 D Buffalo Nickel | 2005 S Buffalo Nickel |
| Mint State 60 | $0.39 | $0.39 | |
| Mint state 65 | $1.43 | $1.43 | |
| Proof 65 | $10 |
Overview of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel
- Year: 2005
- Coin: Westward Journey
- Designer: Joe Fitzgerald/ Jamie Franki
- Weight: 5.00 grams
- Diameter: 21.20 millimeters
- Edge: Plain
- Metal composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Price: 5 cents – 5.00+ USD
- Face value: 0.05 USD
The United States mint calls the 2005 Buffalo Nickel the American Bison Nickel. The coin is a part of the Westward Journey Nickel series, a program that produced commemorative coins in 2004 and 2005. The 2005 Buffalo nickel has the following inscriptions;
Obverse inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 2005
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- FIVE CENTS
Let’s explore the coin further.
Related: Coin Appraisals – How to Make The Right Choice
Historical Background
During the early Spring of 2005, the United States Mint released a one-time-only magnificent coin to honor the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804 to 1806). The 2005 Buffalo Nickel marked the first commemorative Nickel series since the classic Buffalo Nickel series in 1913-1938. The 2005 American Bison Nickels production was a part of the Westward Journey nickel series program.
Here is how it started: ideas from designers Jamie Franki and Joe Fitzgerald led to the development of a coin featuring an American Bison (Buffalo) on the reverse. The obverse incorporated a new age-appropriate portrait of Thomas Jefferson and the stylized word Liberty. The word Liberty appearing on the obverse is in Jefferson’s handwriting. The Buffalo on the coin symbolizes the American West explored for the first time and the Wildlife encountered during the historical journey from St. Louis to Oregon’s Pacific Ocean Coast.
The mintage of the 2005 Buffalo Nickels took place for a few months in 2005 and then stopped forever. Since no more such coins will ever be minted, their future value can increase immensely.
Most of the 2005 Buffalo Nickels released into circulation lost their pristine and premium collector value. However, some original rolls of the 2005 Buffalo Nickels are still in Mint Uncirculated condition.
Related: 1936 Buffalo Nickel: History, Value, and Rarity
2005 Buffalo Nickel No Spear
The three U.S. mints produced 939,344,679 Buffalo nickels in 2005. The Mintage of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel was the first to see buffalo in American coinage since 1938, after the abolishment of Buffalo nickels. The Buffalo nickel no spear is the standard form of most Bison nickels produced in 2005. The 2005 Buffalo nickel no spear has an estimated value of 5 cents up to $1 in average condition.
2005 Buffalo Nickel D
The Denver mint released 487,680,000 Buffalo Nickels with Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse. The mint mark D appears below the word Liberty. Most American Bison nickels from Denver are worth $0.05 to $1. Pristine and high-premium specimens fetch around $35.
The Denver mint struck 1,160 special strike Buffalo coins and they can fetch approximately $0.05 to $20 depending on condition. Professionally graded 2005 Buffalo Nickel D integrating a speared bison has an approximate value of over $2000. For instance, a 2005 D Speared Bison sold for $2,250 on eBay.
Related: Nickels Worth Money Exploring the History and Worth of America’s Smallest Coin
2005 Buffalo Nickel Error
A few specific and certified errors have been identified in the 2005 Buffalo nickel. These rarities include:
- Die Gouge Error (2005 Buffalo Nickel Speared)
The speared Bison error appears whenever a foreign object from the die penetrates through the coin. The foreign item gets struck, creating weird shapes on the coin surface. The imperfection has a long line that seems like it enters and exits the bison’s body.
Die gouge errors are common in Buffalo nickels struck in Denver mint. 2005 speared bison nickels can fetch several dollars depending on the mint state.
| Condition | 2005 D Speared Bison |
| Extra fine | $30-$35 |
| AU | $40-$60 |
| MS 60 | $75 |
| MS 65 | $250 |
| MS 67 | $700 |
- Improperly Annealed Error
This type of error appears due to too long struck planchets or the planchets raised under non-optimal temperatures. The imperfection forces copper from the core to appear over the nickel coat. Such a rarity on a 2005 Bison nickel can fetch about $100.
- Clipped Planchet Error
The clipped planchet rarity occurs when the cutting planchets mechanism re-strikes the copper-nickel sheets. The cutting mechanism fails to fully eject the planchets resulting in the formation of a small crescent moon cut from the coin. Some collectors describe the rarity as a cookie-cutter type error.
- Copper Wash Error
This type of error occurs when copper comes up to the coin’s surface, and the entire outer shell of the planchets gets a thin copper layer (wash).
Rare 2005 Buffalo Nickel
Generally, the 2005 Buffalo nickel are rare coin series and would be a great addition to any coin collection. The one-time commemorative pieces have attractive obverse and reverse designs. Thus, they are popular collectibles among collectors. The rare variant of speared bison nickel from Denver is among the rarest and most famous coins in the Buffalo nickel series.
Another rare Westward journey nickel is the 2005 S Buffalo nickel. San Francisco produced only the nickel proofs of the 2005 American bison, making them rare and pricey. Here is a video showing a rare 2005 Buffalo nickel.
Related: 1937 Buffalo Nickel Value in 2023
Factors Affecting the Value of the 2005 Buffalo Nickel
Prices of particular 2005 Buffalo nickels can vary from one coin to another. Here are the influencing factors:
- Condition
The preservation level dramatically influences the condition of a coin. Circulated coins in average condition are worth less than coins in uncirculated mint condition. Coins in proof-line condition fetch premium prices in the coinage market.
- Rarity
Possible errors within a 2005 Buffalo nickel will affect the overall price. Each rarity is unique; some rarities can be worth thousands of dollars. The price of 2005 American bison nickels appreciated after an imperfection (speared bison) was discovered in 2005.
- Demand
Demand for the various Buffalo nickels directly influences their value in the coinage market. The 2005 Buffalo nickels are abundant. Hence, their demand is low. In turn, their value is 5 cents in average condition.
On the other hand, high-quality graded coins have a higher demand making them fetch hundreds of dollars.
- Provenance
The 2005 Bison nickel is unique as it honors the 200th anniversary of the first expedition (1804 to 1806) in the West. Additionally, the buffalo coin comes 67 years after the classic Buffalo nickels got abolished in 1938. Due to their historical origin, collectors believe the coins have the potential to raise their value in the future.
Related: 1964 Quarter Value – Mints, Errors And Worth
How to Identify Valuable 2005 Buffalo Nickel
Identifying a valuable 2005 Buffalo nickel can be challenging, especially when examining it with the naked eye. Valuable nickels may require further evaluation from experts and grading companies. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) will aid in the price guide. The grading services will also provide reference materials and price guides for various nickels.
Where to Buy and Sell Valuable 2005 Buffalo Nickel
2005 Buffalo nickels are available for auction at online platforms like eBay and Etsy. Auctioneers and coin dealers also carry out open sales.
Is a 2005 Nickel With a Buffalo on it Worth Anything?
Most 2005 Buffalo nickels can fetch around $0.05 to 1 USD on average circulated condition. High-quality and graded nickels in the certified mint state can cost tens to thousands of dollars.
Related: 1964 Nickel Value – Full Guide
Is there Anything Special About 2005 Nickels?
Yes, the coin type is a commemorative piece of the Westward journey series. The 2005 American Bison Nickels integrated the new President’s portrait on the obverse with two reverse variations. The obverse has a magnified Jefferson’s image facing right.
The word Liberty on the coin was engraved based on the president’s handwriting. Unlike the old versions of the Buffalo nickel series, the 2005 Bison nickel had the indispensable Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM moved from the top to under the buffalo’s feet.
What is the Error on the 2005 P Buffalo Nickel?
The Philadelphia mint struck 448,320,000 Jefferson nickels with a Buffalo on the reverse. Some coins that left the factory had a detached leg reverse error.
Conclusion
The 2005 Buffalo Nickel is reminiscent of the classic 1913-1938 Buffalo Nickel series. Hence, it’s one of the favorite coins among collectors in modern history. The unique 2005 Buffalo Nickel has an estimated worth of 5 cents up to $5.
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