1936 Buffalo Nickel Value Hits $30,000 Jackpot Find

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel Value

The value of a 1936 Buffalo nickel can greatly fluctuate, depending on factors like coin condition, preservation, and mint mark. Despite these price differences, these coins are significant in American coinage history, making them highly collectible.

Many collectors view the Buffalo nickel as one of the most quintessentially American coins. The Native American profile on the obverse pays tribute to indigenous tribes, while the bison on the reverse represents the Wild West.

1936 Nickel Value Chart

Condition	1936 No Mint Mark Nickel	1936 D Nickel	1936 D Nickel (3 1/2 Legs)	1936 S Nickel
Good	$1.51	$1.51	$510	$1.51
Very Good	$1.82	$1.82	$697	$1.82
Fine	$2.12	$2.12	$1,202	$2.12
Very Fine	$2.41	$2.41	$1,816	$2.41
Extra Fine	$3.50	$4.80	$3,514	$4.80
AU	$11	$14	$6,053	$14
MS 60	$29	$48	$14,749	$45
MS 63	$59	$54	$21,774	$54
PR 65	$1,253	/	/	/

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel History

The Buffalo nickel was part of a long tradition of US coinage, following the introduction of the Shield nickels in 1866 and Liberty Head nickels between 1884 and 1912. The iconic Buffalo nickel debuted in 1913, thanks to the design by James Earle Fraser. Despite some issues with minting and design adjustments, these coins were beloved and are still highly collectible today.

1936 was a particularly productive year, with a record number of nickels minted, including proof coins for the first time since 1916. The Buffalo nickel’s run ended in 1938, replaced by the Jefferson nickel, but the Buffalo nickel remains a favorite among collectors.

1936 Nickel Types

Location	Year	Minted
Philadelphia	1936 No Mint Mark	118,997,000
Philadelphia	1936 Nickel Proof	4,420
San Francisco	1936 S Nickel	14,930,000
Denver	1936 D Nickel	24,814,000
Total	/	158,745,420

The 1936 Buffalo Nickel Features

James Earle Fraser designed both the obverse and reverse of the Buffalo nickel, which was minted from 1913 to 1938. While Denver-minted nickels tend to be lower in quality, the rare 1936 D nickels with the “three and a half legs” error are especially collectible.

The Obverse Of The 1936 Nickel

The obverse features the profile of a Native American warrior, looking toward the right. The word “LIBERTY” appears in front of his face, with the year “1936” located on his right shoulder. The designer’s initial “F” appears below the date, a signature on all Buffalo nickels.

The Reverse Of The 1936 Nickel

The reverse showcases an American bison facing left, standing on the ground above the denomination “FIVE CENTS.” The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are included. Coins minted in Philadelphia have no mint mark, as was typical before 1980.

1936 Nickel Details

• Compound: Copper-nickel
• Diameter: 0.835 inches (21.2 mm)
• Edge: Plain
• Thickness: 0.077 inches (1.95 mm)
• Weight: 0.176 ounces (5 g)
• Face Value: $0.05 (five-cent coin)

1936 Buffalo Nickel Grading

Grading is essential in determining the value of a 1936 Buffalo nickel. The standard grading scale ranges from 1 to 70, and collectors often rely on professional grading services to assess their coins.

1936 Buffalo Nickel Value Guides

In 1936, a total of 158,745,420 Buffalo nickels were produced, with the majority coming from Philadelphia. Here’s a breakdown of value for different mint marks and conditions:

• 1936 No Mint Mark Nickel: Circulated coins range from $0.45 to $15.60, while MS 60+ specimens can fetch higher prices.
• 1936 Proof Nickel: These proof coins are highly sought after and can be worth as much as $8,000, depending on their grade.
• 1936 D Nickel: Prices range from $0.45 for circulated coins to $1,350 for the highest-grade specimens.
• 1936 S Nickel: Values range from $0.45 to $1,175 for higher-grade coins.

Rare 1936 Nickel Errors

Some 1936 Buffalo nickels are particularly valuable due to minting errors:

• 1936 D 3 1/2 Legs Nickel: These error coins, where the bison’s front leg is weak or missing, can range in price from $350 to $7,500, with uncirculated specimens fetching even more.
• Re-Punched Mint Mark: Some 1936 nickels show mint marks that were incorrectly punched and then corrected. These error coins are priced from $100 to $2,640, depending on the mint mark and condition.
• Doubled Die: A double die error occurs when a coin is struck twice, causing doubling in the design. These coins can range from $100 to $1,500.

Other minor errors include off-center strikes, clipped planchets, lamination issues, and die cracks.

Where To Sell Your 1936 Buffalo Nickel

If you’re looking to sell your 1936 Buffalo nickel, consider exploring verified online platforms that offer free appraisals and a marketplace to sell coins.