Five Cents (5¢)

Buffalo Nickel

United States · 1936

The obverse of the coin features a right-facing portrait of a Native American chief. The word "LIBERTY" is visible above and to the right of the portrait. The date "1936" is near the bottom left, though partially obscured. The coin shows significant wear and some corrosion. The reverse, not visible in the provided image, typically depicts an American bison (buffalo).

Country: United States
Year: 1936
Denomination: Five Cents (5¢)
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 September 24, 2025More united states coins →

Explore Buffalo Nickel in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

Historical significance

The Buffalo Nickel (also known as the Indian Head Nickel) was designed by James Earle Fraser and minted from 1913 to 1938. It replaced the Liberty Head nickel and was part of a broader movement in American coinage to beautify designs and feature more distinctly American themes, rather than classical European ones. The Native American portrait is a composite of three different chiefs, and the bison on the reverse is believed to be Black Diamond, a well-known buffalo from the Central Park Zoo.

Estimated value

Given the heavily worn condition and visible corrosion/damage, the estimated value for a 1936 Buffalo Nickel would be at the lower end, likely between "$0.25" and "$1.00" for its metal content and as a damaged circulated coin. If there were no damage, a heavily circulated 1936 nickel might fetch a few dollars, but this specific coin's condition is poor.

Care & preservation

Do not attempt to clean this coin, as cleaning can further devalue it and remove any historical patina. Store the coin in a dry, stable environment, preferably in a non-PVC coin holder or sleeve to prevent further corrosion or reactions with other materials. Handle by the edges only to avoid adding oils and dirt from your skin.

Other united states coins

See all

United States Administration (Philippines) One Centavo

Philippines (issued by the United States Mint) · 1944

One Centavo

United States Administration of Philippines One Centavo

Philippines (under United States Sovereignty) · 1944

One Centavo

Reader's Digest Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary Coin (Token)

United States, Reader's Digest Association · 1987

No cash value (Promotional Token)

United States Bicentennial Quarter

United States of America · 1776-1976

Quarter Dollar ($0.25)

United States Bicentennial Quarter

United States of America · 1776-1976 (Minted in 1975 and 1976)

Quarter Dollar (25 Cents)

United States Presidential Dollar (Grover Cleveland)

United States · 2011 (for the 22nd and 24th President, Grover Cleveland)

1 Dollar ($1)

Overview

Historical significance

Estimated value

Care & preservation

Other united states coins

Learn about Buffalo Nickel in the encyclopedia