1936 Buffalo Nickel

About This Coin

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel is a United States nickel from the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series — a late issue, 21st of 23 years in the series. In 1936, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 183.6 million. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above the series median of 48.7 million. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 37 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Produced 5 years after the celebrated 1931 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $2 to $23K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $40K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Earle Fraser.