Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1935
Denomination: Five Cents (5¢)
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Brief Description
A copper-nickel five-cent piece featuring a Native American profile and an American Bison, dated 1935 with an S mint mark.
Historical Significance
Designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938, this coin is celebrated for its quintessential American imagery. It reflects a move away from classical European designs toward distinctly North American subjects.
Estimated Value
$1 - $5 circulated, $25 - $150 in Mint State grades (MS-60 to MS-65)
Care Instructions
Do not clean the coin as this destroys its numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or flip to prevent surface scratches and environmental damage.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco Mint) located below the words FIVE CENTS on the reverse
Mintage & Rarity
10,300,000; relatively common for the series but less common than the Philadelphia strike of the same year
Weight & Diameter
5.00 grams / 21.21 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Good (G) to Very Good (VG). The date is clear, but the buffalo's horn and the Native American's hair detail show significant wear.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing profile of a Native American man, which Fraser stated was a composite of several individuals. Includes the word LIBERTY and the date 1935.
Reverse (Back)
American Bison (buffalo) facing left, standing on a mound. Legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM above, FIVE CENTS and mint mark below.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint mark (S), visibility of the date (which often wore off this series), and overall absence of heavy scratches or cleaning.
Similar Coins
The 2005 Westward Journey 'Bison' nickel and the Gold American Buffalo bullion coin are modern tributes that share similar imagery.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the weight (5g) and clarity of the mint mark. Look for 're-punched' mint marks or added mint marks, which are common alterations.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1935-S does not have major widely recognized varieties like the 1937-D '3-Legged' buffalo, though minor die cracks are common.
Created At: 2026-05-17T08:45:04.100871