1936 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of Americana designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser to honor the spirit of the American West. It is highly collectible for its artistic high-relief design featuring a composite Native American profile and the famous bison, Black Diamond.

What Is 1936 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1936 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel is $2 - $3 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a mint mark from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) can increase rarity compared to Philadelphia strikes.
• The visibility of the date is critical, as the high-relief design often caused the year to wear off during circulation.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on the bison's fur and the Native American's hair braid.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches, corrosion, or 'environmental damage' from long-term storage.

How to Identify 1936 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel?

• Check the obverse for the 1936 date located on the shoulder of the Native American profile.
• Verify the composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which gives the coin its distinct silver-grey luster.
• Look for the 'D' or 'S' mint mark below the 'FIVE CENTS' text on the reverse, or no mark for Philadelphia.
• Examine the bison's tail and horn for crispness, as these high points are the first to show circulation wear.

History of 1936 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, this iconic coin was minted to capture the spirit of the American West. The obverse depicts a composite profile of three different Native American chiefs, while the reverse features Black Diamond, a famous bison from the Central Park Zoo. This series is famous for the date wearing off easily due to the design's high relief.