Buffalo Nickel (also known as Indian Head Nickel)

United States / United States Mint · 1936

A well-circulated five-cent piece featuring a profile of a Native American on the front and an American bison on the back.

Country: United States / United States Mint
Year: 1936
Denomination: Five Cents / Nickel
Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 20, 2026More united states / united states mint coins →

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Overview

A well-circulated five-cent piece featuring a profile of a Native American on the front and an American bison on the back.

Historical significance

Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin was part of the 'Renaissance of American Coinage.' It aims to capture the spirit of the American West. The design replaced the Liberty Head nickel and was minted from 1913 to 1938.

Obverse (front)

Profile of a Native American man, facing right. Legend 'LIBERTY' at top right and the date '1936' at the bottom left on the shoulder.

Reverse (back)

An American bison (buffalo) standing on a flat ground line (Type II). Legends 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'FIVE CENTS'.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in this circulated condition; $15-$40 in high uncirculated (MS) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of a mint mark (S or D are more valuable), and visible horn detail on the buffalo.

Grade assessment

Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). The horn on the bison is mostly worn away, and the date is clear but the surrounding area shows significant wear.

Mintage & rarity

Common date; Philadelphia minted 118,997,000 of these in 1936.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for a 'mushy' appearance in the strike or unusual metal color. Because 1936 is a common date, counterfeits are rare for this specific year unless it's a 3.5-leg variety.

Notable varieties & errors

The most famous variety for 1936 is the 3.5-leg Buffalo (specifically on the 1936-D), where the front leg of the bison is partially missing due to die over-polishing.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 2005 Westward Journey 'Bison' nickel, which is a modern commemorative circulation coin.

Care & preservation

Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival holder to prevent environmental damage.