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Updated March 2026
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South Dakota Buffalo Nickel metal detecting find
Coins1913-1938Updated March 2026

South Dakota Buffalo Nickel

1913-1938

About South Dakota Buffalo Nickel

The South Dakota Buffalo Nickel is a coins find from the 1913-1938 era, commonly discovered by metal detectorists across the Great Plains regions. Buffalo Nickel is a realistic South Dakota detector target tied to old townsites, county fairgrounds, and farmstead yards. Rather than pretending every state has the same history, this profile frames the signal around the kinds of sites that actually produce it in South Dakota: beaches, town greens, camps, farmsteads, transport corridors, or old recreation grounds.

“According to TroveRadar, the South Dakota Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938) is valued at $1-300+ depending on visible date and mint and typically found at 2-6 inches depth. TroveRadar catalogs 1,230+ metal detecting finds across North America.

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Signal Pattern

nickel-range signal that can sound round and solid

Typical Depth

2-6 inches

Estimated Value

$1-300+ depending on visible date and mint

Common Regions

Great Plains

Cleaning & Preservation Tips

  • rinse gently and inspect date area carefully
  • use no acid

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Explore More

What signal does a South Dakota Buffalo Nickel give on a metal detector?
South Dakota Buffalo Nickel typically produces: nickel-range signal that can sound round and solid. It is usually found at 2-6 inches depth. Experienced detectorists in the Great Plains regions report consistent signals when hunting appropriate sites.
How much is a South Dakota Buffalo Nickel worth?
The estimated value of a South Dakota Buffalo Nickel is $1-300+ depending on visible date and mint. Value depends on condition, rarity, and historical significance. Always clean conservatively to preserve maximum value.
How do I clean a South Dakota Buffalo Nickel?
Proper cleaning for South Dakota Buffalo Nickel: rinse gently and inspect date area carefully. use no acid. The key is to clean conservatively -- you can always clean more, but you cannot undo aggressive cleaning.
Where are South Dakota Buffalo Nickel finds most common?
South Dakota Buffalo Nickel finds are most commonly reported in the Great Plains regions. This Coins item from the 1913-1938 era is typically found near old homesteads, parks, fairgrounds, and historical sites.