Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents (Nickel)

Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

United States · 1936

A well-circulated 1936 United States five-cent piece featuring an American Indian profile and an American Bison.

Country: United States
Year: 1936
Denomination: 5 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 June 11, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A well-circulated 1936 United States five-cent piece featuring an American Indian profile and an American Bison.

Historical significance

Designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938, this coin is a classic of American numismatics, intended to celebrate the American West. The 1936 issue was one of the final years of the series.

Obverse (front)

Profile of a Native American man, facing right. Legend 'LIBERTY' at the lower right. Date '1936' on the shoulder. Designer's initial 'F' below the date.

Reverse (back)

An American Bison (buffalo) standing on a mound. Legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above. 'FIVE CENTS' below the mound.

Estimated value

$0.50-$1.50 in heavily circulated condition, $15-$40 in Mint State (MS-63).

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor for this common date. Key dates in this series include 1913-S Variety 2, 1921-S, and major errors.

Grade assessment

Good (G) to Very Good (VG). The date is readable but the horn of the bison is nearly flat, and the details of the feathers and hair are worn.

Mintage & rarity

119,001,420; Common date for the series.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the 3.5 leg variety or 3-legged buffalo on the reverse of the 1937-D; counterfeits often involve 'shaving' a leg. Ensure the weight is correct at 5 grams.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1936 3-1/2 leg variety (D-mint) and various Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) errors are highly sought after by collectors for this year range, though this specimen appears to be a standard Philadelphia strike.

Similar coins

Liberty Head 'V' Nickel (preceded it) and Jefferson Nickel (succeeded it). The designs are very distinct and rarely confused.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes original surface patina and significantly reduces collector value. Store in an acid-free holder (2x2 flip or capsule) to prevent further environmental damage.

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