1936 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, featuring James Earle Fraser's celebrated composite portrait of three Native American chiefs. Minted near the end of the series' run, this copper-nickel coin is prized for its distinctively Western imagery and the powerful symbolism of the American bison on the reverse.

What affects the value of 1936 Buffalo Nickel?

• The visibility of the date is critical, as the high-relief design often caused the year to wear away quickly through circulation.
• The presence of a mint mark, specifically 'D' or 'S', can increase the coin's desirability compared to the common Philadelphia strike.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on the buffalo's horn and the Indian's hair braid significantly impact the market price.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches or environmental damage, determines if it reaches the higher end of the $1-$5 range.

How to Identify 1936 Buffalo Nickel?

• Look for the '1936' date clearly visible on the lower left of the Native American's shoulder on the obverse.
• Verify the presence of the American bison standing on a mound on the reverse, with 'FIVE CENTS' inscribed below.
• Check for the designer's initial 'F' located just below the date on the obverse side.
• Examine the reverse for a mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) below the 'FIVE CENTS' text; no mark indicates Philadelphia.

History of 1936 Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. The obverse features a composite portrait of three different Native American chiefs, intended to represent the indigenous people of the United States. The reverse depicts an American bison, symbolizing the wildlife of the nation. This coin replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was celebrated for its distinctly American design, though its high-relief features often led to rapid wear, especially on the date and the buffalo's horn.