Buffalo Head Nickel

What does a Buffalo nickel look like? The profile of a Native American Indian is on the front with the word Liberty in the upper right curve and the year on the bottom left. The likeness of a buffalo appears on the back of the coin, with The United States of America and E pluribus unum printed above it and Five Cents spelled out under the buffalo. The Buffalo nickel pictured is a very nice 'uncirculated' example and is eagerly sought by collectors and rare coin dealers. 1936 nickel value is listed according to the three different mints in four grading categories. More about grading your coins below. The 'D' or 'S' in the listing indicates the mint that produced the coin. Mint believes that the Native American figure depicted on the Buffalo Indian Head nickel is a composite image of Chief Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux, Chief Two Moons of the Cheyenne and another unnamed American Indian. The coins were designed by James Earle Fraser. Mint produced Buffalo Indian Head nickels from 1913 to 1938. Buffalo nickels are relatively small but are made out of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. Nickel is a tough, hard metal that does not easily produce a nicely struck coin. Therefore, the highest points of the coin are usually flat and lacking detail due to an incomplete strike.

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90

Solid 1936 nickel value shows the popularity of these old coins even in worn condition. Proving this strong demand are the high values of nice condition Buffalo nickels.

This date buffalo nickel is rather elusive in 'uncirculated' condition, any you find has good value. Also, these old nickels were minted at three different locations, each valued separately, with the Denver mint coin as the standout piece.

Next, condition plays an important role in the 1936 nickel value. Examine each carefully, the amount of wear or lack of it determines how much your coin is worth.

The Buffalo nickel pictured is a very nice 'uncirculated' example and is eagerly sought by collectors and rare coin dealers.

1936 nickel value is listed according to the three different mints in four grading categories.

More about grading your coins below.

The 'D' or 'S' in the listing indicates the mint that produced the coin. D - Denver Mint, S - San Francisco Mint, no mintmark for the Philadelphia Mint. Locate the mintmark on the reverse under the Buffalo.

With a strong starting value the 1936 Buffalo nickel is a nice little treasure to find in your box of old coins.

The $690 1936 Buffalo Nickel Value

Of the approximately 119 million 1936 Buffalo nickels minted few survive today in 'uncirculated,' brand new condition. Of these uncirculated pieces fewer still survive with the minimum amount of nicks, cuts and abrasions. And, of this now elite group, even fewer radiate blazing original mint luster.

Occasionally a gem 1936 nickel is auctioned and always strong bids are made. But now add to the above list of desirable features, deep golden toning with maroon highlights along the rim and bidding is taken up a notch.

Buffalo nickels are avidly collected and many advanced collections are being assembled. Coins with superior eye appeal always sell at premiums far above published prices.

Grade Accurately to Find Highest 1936 Nickel Value

The second half of your value investigation is judging the condition of your buffalo nickel and determine its grade.

As seen in the chart a difference in 'Grade' produces a large swing in the 1936 nickel value.

Uncirculated: A Buffalo nickel in this condition is in the top grade in both desirability and value. The coin was never used in circulation. Retaining its original surfaces with no signs of wear, and still bright with mint luster. The points of possible contact and the first to show friction are the Indian's cheek just under the eye and the hip of the buffalo.

Extremely Fine: As a coin circulates friction begins to show as a slight loss of detail on the hair braid of the Indian and upper front leg of the Buffalo. Although wear is noticeable your nickel still appears sharp and crisp, and a desirable coin.

Fine: In this condition your coin is still valued and collected. Moderate, even wear over the entire surface is accepted. All the major design elements are visible. The buffalo is smooth on small portions of the head, front shoulder and hip. On the Indian, the hair just above the braid shows little detail.

Good: Heavy wear depicts the appearance of this 1936 nickel. The tops of the legends on both the obverse and reverse have blended into the rim. Wide areas are lacking detail all across the Buffalo and Indian. The date, one of the highest parts of the coin is faint and no longer bold.

Coin Values CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Buffalo Nickel Value
1913 to 1938

Buffalo Head Nickel Worth

Check all your buffalo nickel values on the chart. Rising prices, caused by increasing demand from both collectors and rare coin dealers requires a second look at your now more valuable coins.

Including more grading details to your 1936 nickel value. Easily find how much your old coins are worth.

Find values of all Nickel series from Shield nickels, Liberty, Buffalo and Jefferson nickels. All include value charts, along side grading images to find the accurate value of your old nickels.

★Coin Values Discovery... finds 1936 nickel value and...

all old US coin values. It links to coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, images to judge the all important condition of coins, and a guide to getting the best deal if selling coins.

Finding Rare Nickels!

On occasion rare nickels do turn up... old better date buffalo nickels, valuable silver war nickels, even a few Jefferson nickels and others. Search your box of old coins and discover the possibilities of... Finding Rare Nickels

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1935 Buffalo Head Nickel

196 items found

• Seller: fiveocoinco
  Condition: AU
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• Seller: 1028kenj
  Condition: VF
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• The coin in the picture is the coin you will receive. See Pictures
  Seller: kyoung0
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• The coin in the picture is the coin you will receive. See Pictures
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Buffalo Head Nickel 1920