1927 Buffalo Nickel Errors, Varieties and Value

The 1927 Buffalo nickel is a useful reminder that “condition rarity” and “low mintage” aren’t the same thing — the 1927-S isn’t a famous key date by mintage alone, but finding one sharply struck and well preserved is a real challenge. GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

Design and history

The 1927 nickel carries James Earle Fraser’s Type 2 reverse, adopted midway through 1913, with the composite Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison on a flatter, recessed reverse ground. All 1927 nickels are struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weigh 5.00 grams, measure 21.21mm, and have a plain edge. Philadelphia coins carry no mintmark; Denver and San Francisco pieces show a D or S beneath FIVE CENTS.

Errors and varieties to know

The 1927-S is a notable condition rarity — while it isn’t scarce in absolute terms at lower circulated grades, finding a well-struck, high-grade example is genuinely difficult. The 1927-D can also be difficult sharply struck, though it isn’t as pronounced a condition rarity as the S-mint coin. Both are regular issues rather than named varieties, and their difficulty reflects striking characteristics and survival patterns rather than any minting error.

No major headline die error or doubled die defines 1927 in the principal references used here. PCGS does recognize Two Feathers dies for Denver and San Francisco in 1927, produced when excessive die polishing removed the small innermost feather between the portrait and the long feather behind it. Genuine attribution requires matching the documented die for the relevant mint.

How to examine a 1927 Buffalo nickel

• On 1927-S and 1927-D candidates, focus on the bison’s horn and shoulder detail — a full, sharp strike is the real premium factor here, more so than raw numerical grade alone.
• For a claimed Two Feathers example, compare under magnification against certified reference photos of the specific documented die.
• Genuine doubled dies show raised, rounded secondary design in a fixed, repeatable position; flat or shelf-like doubling is mechanical, not a collectible variety.
• Raised lines across the field typically indicate die cracks; incuse marks usually point to scratches or handling damage.

As with other Buffalo nickel dates, worn or damaged dates are sometimes chemically treated or re-engraved to look sharper — a practice covered in our guide to documented counterfeit U.S. coins. Avoid cleaning any candidate coin before it’s been evaluated.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

A raw 1927 Philadelphia nickel is a reasonable purchase at common grades. For a claimed well-struck 1927-S or 1927-D, or for a Two Feathers coin, certification from PCGS or NGC provides confirmation that the stated strike quality and attribution actually hold up.

Understanding grades and condition

Because condition rarity, rather than raw mintage, drives much of this date’s value, comparing photographs of the bison’s horn and shoulder across listings is more useful than comparing numerical grades alone. Two coins graded identically can show meaningfully different strike quality.

Problem coins

Cleaned, corroded, or environmentally damaged 1927 nickels are common given the date’s age. A details-graded 1927-S or 1927-D can be a reasonable way to acquire a tougher-struck example at a lower cost, provided the price reflects the stated problem.

Suggested search terms and filters

Start broad: “1927 Buffalo nickel,” “1927-S Buffalo nickel full strike,” “1927-D Buffalo nickel,” or “1927 Two Feathers nickel.”

Then narrow by:

• Mint: no mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco)
• Strike: full strike versus typical or weak strike
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or raw

Availability and pricing notes

Ordinary 1927 nickels are common and affordably priced across all three mints. Well-struck, high-grade 1927-S and 1927-D examples command real premiums over typical survivors, and pricing should be checked against recent completed sales rather than a single asking price.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1927 Buffalo Nickel” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by mint, strike quality, grade, and certification.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save “1927 Buffalo Nickel” as a wishlist item with mint or strike preferences where available.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify certification and photographs, read the full listing, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the 1927-S called a condition rarity rather than a key date?

Its raw mintage isn’t dramatically low, but finding a well-struck, high-grade example is genuinely difficult — the scarcity is about condition, not absolute survival numbers.

Is the 1927-D also hard to find?

It can be difficult sharply struck, though it’s a less pronounced condition rarity than the 1927-S.

Is there a headline error or variety for 1927?

No major headline die error defines the year beyond the Two Feathers dies attributed to Denver and San Francisco.

How should I compare 1927-S listings?

Focus on the bison’s horn and shoulder detail across photographs rather than relying on numerical grade alone, since strike quality varies meaningfully at the same grade level.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1927 Buffalo Nickel” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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