Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

United States · 1936

A classic United States nickel featuring the profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1936
Denomination: 5 Cents
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 August 25, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic United States nickel featuring the profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse.

Historical significance

Designed by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel is widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and authentically American coin designs ever produced.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing profile of a Native American composite portrait, featuring the word 'LIBERTY' on the upper right and the year '1936' on the lower left shoulder.

Reverse (back)

An American bison (commonly referred to as a buffalo) standing on a mound, with the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and the denomination 'FIVE CENTS' below.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in circulated condition, $10-$50+ in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition/grade, presence of full details on the bison's horn and tail, and mint mark location.

Grade assessment

About Good to Good (AG-3 to G-4), showing heavy wear on high points, though the date 1936 remains clearly legible.

Mintage & rarity

Common date with high mintage for Philadelphia (119,000,000+), making it readily available for collectors.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and magnetic properties (cupronickel is non-magnetic). Beware of altered dates or cast counterfeits.

Notable varieties & errors

1936/36 Doubled Die Obverse is a famous and valuable major variety for this year.

Similar coins

Jefferson Nickel, Shield Nickel, Liberty Head Nickel

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place using inert holders such as 2x2 cardboard flips or mylar coin flips. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or wiping destroys its numismatic value.