Buffalo Nickel (also known as Indian Head Nickel)
Country of Origin: United States / United States Mint
Year of Issue: 1936
Denomination: Five Cents / Nickel
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Brief Description
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.
Estimated Value
$1-$3 in this circulated condition; $15-$40 in high uncirculated (MS) grades.
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
Philadelphia (no mint mark visible under the 'FIVE CENTS' line).
Mintage & Rarity
Common date; Philadelphia minted 118,997,000 of these in 1936.
Weight & Diameter
5.00 grams / 21.2 mm
Edge
Plain / Smooth
Apparent Grade
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.
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'.
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.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 2005 Westward Journey 'Bison' nickel, which is a modern commemorative circulation coin.
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.
Created At: 2026-05-20T11:01:47.308521