Five Cents

Buffalo Nickel

United States · 1932

The obverse of the coin features a right-facing portrait of a Native American chief, with the word "LIBERTY" and the year of issue "1932" visible. The detail on the chief's face and headdress is heavily worn. The reverse, though not shown, typically features an American bison.

Country: United States
Year: 1932
Denomination: Five 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 September 24, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it aimed to create a distinctly American coin featuring imagery of Native Americans and the American bison, moving away from classic allegorical figures. The coin was popular but prone to wear, especially on the date and the bison's horn, which led to many examples, like this one, showing significant wear.

Estimated value

Given the heavily worn condition of this 1932 Buffalo Nickel, its value is likely near its melt value or slightly above, typically ranging from $1 to $5. Higher grades or rare mint marks would command significantly more.

Care & preservation

To preserve any remaining detail and prevent further degradation, handle the coin by its edges. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in an inert holder like a 2x2 coin flip (Mylar, not PVC) or a certified slab. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can severely damage its surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value, even for worn examples.