1935 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1935 Buffalo Nickel is a celebrated piece of American coinage designed by James Earle Fraser to replace the Liberty Head Nickel. It features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and a majestic American bison, modeled after Black Diamond, on the reverse.

What affects the value of 1935 Buffalo Nickel?

• The specific mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia) heavily influences the final market price.
• The level of wear on high points, such as the bison's tail and the Native American's cheekbone, determines the grade.
• The clarity of the bison's horn on the reverse is a primary indicator of a high-quality strike and better value.
• General eye appeal, including original luster and the absence of environmental damage or cleaning marks.

How to Identify 1935 Buffalo Nickel?

• Check for the 1935 date clearly struck on the Native American's shoulder on the obverse side.
• Identify the American bison on the reverse, which should be standing on a flat ground line or mound.
• Look for the designer's initial F located just below the date on the obverse.
• Confirm the metallic composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which gives the coin its distinct silver-gray appearance.

History of 1935 Buffalo Nickel

Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel was produced by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. The obverse features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons. The reverse depicts an American bison, believed to be Black Diamond, a resident of the Bronx Zoo. This coin was part of a movement to beautify American coinage, replacing the Liberty Head Nickel.