1935 Buffalo Nickel

About the Buffalo Nickel

• 1935 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse
• 1935 Buffalo Nickel Gold

This is the only major double die reverse for the Buffalo Nickle series. Error coins have sold for $100,000+ in 2007 but much lower recently. Here is a littl. The 1935 Buffalo is one date that shows up often in a group of old nickels. When found in worn condition the 1935 nickel along with most dates of the 1930's is a common date. What is not often found are Buffalo nickels in 'uncirculated' condition. The 1935 Buffalo is one date that shows up often in a group of old nickels. When found in worn condition the 1935 nickel along with most dates of the 1930's is a common date. What is not often found are Buffalo nickels in 'uncirculated' condition.

Minted from 1913 till 1938, the Indian Head, commonly referred to as the Buffalo Nickel, has been a loved coin that can be found in almost every established collector's hoard.

James Earl Fraser was the original designer of the Buffalo Nickel, creating a coin that paid homage to America's Native Americans and the iconic American Bison of the west. Fraser's Buffalo Nickel replaced the long-running Liberty Head Nickel in 1913.

The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a bust of a Native American facing right, with the date minted directly below. The word 'LIBERTY' can be found directly to the right of the bust.

On the reverse, Fraser used a depiction of the American Bison as the main design, which can be found centered. The denomination 'FIVE CENTS' can be found directly below the ground that the bison is standing on. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' can be found above the bison.

Unlike other series of coins that had many composition changes over their lifetimes, the Buffalo Nickel was made of the same composition throughout its entire life. This composition was made of a 75% nickel and 25% copper mix and resulted in the Buffalo Nickel weighing 5.0 grams. The diameter is 21.2mm and has no reeding that can be found on the edges.

If you would like to know more about the Buffalo Nickel or other rare and collectible nickels, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Nickels.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse

History of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel

The final three years of the Buffalo Nickel series saw a large increase in the number of examples that were produced. This resulted in 58,264,000 1935 Buffalo Nickels being produced. This is the smallest mintage out of the final three years of Buffalo Nickel production.

One problem that all Buffalo Nickels faced was the heavy wear that happened quickly while in circulation. This means that most 1935 Buffalo Nickels will have a good amount of wear on them, resulting in the condition being either 'Good' or 'Fine.'

1935 Buffalo Nickels in better condition are more common than other dates but are still very scarce. The reason that more 1935 Buffalo Nickels can be found in better condition is due to them not experiencing as much circulation as earlier dates.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse

One of the most well-known mint errors for the 1935 Buffalo Nickel is the Double Die Reverse (also known as a DDR).

This error occurs when the master hub has part of the design doubled, which then transfers to the main die used to strike the coins. Coins struck with this die then exhibit the doubling. Doubling in considered a major mint error and normally has a much higher premium than other types of errors.

Specifically, the doubling on the 1935 Buffalo Nickel can be found in the phrase 'FIVE CENTS.' At the bottom of each letter, there will be a crease or ledge that is visible.

The use of magnification could be useful in helping distinguish whether there is doubling that is present.

The 1935 Buffalo Nickel DDR is a very rare coin with very few examples ever made. If you suspect that you have such an example, be sure to take the coin to a trusted coin dealer for a second opinion. A third-party coin grader can also help identify, grade, and preserve your coin for a fee.

Value of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel

Minted in much greater numbers than most other dates in the series, the 1935 Buffalo Nickel in average condition is not worth a significant amount. In better condition, the coin is worth much more.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Gold

Average 1935 Buffalo Nickels in 'Good' condition are worth about $1 while those in 'Fine' condition are worth about $2. Higher grade examples in 'Extra Fine' condition retail for $3.

Liberty gold coin. Uncirculated grades are worth significantly more than lower graded 1935 Buffalo Nickels. MS-60 examples are valued at $21, while MS-63 is worth $35. PCGS values a 1935 Buffalo Nickel in MS-65 condition at $130.

1935 DDR Buffalo Nickels are worth a huge premium over a regular strike. Even in 'Fine' condition, these coins command a hefty price tag of $100. 'Extra Fine' condition sees the price skyrocket to $775. Only 6 examples of the 1935 DDR Buffalo Nickel have been graded, and are valued at an astonishing $6,500!

Buffalo Nickel

1913 – 1938

The name 'Buffalo Nickel' is actually a misnomer, as the animal appearing on the reverse is in fact a bison and not a buffalo. The true name of this very popular coin is the Five Cent Indian Head, however, the name 'Buffalo Nickel' seems to have been set as its most widely used and accepted name.

The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a portrait of a Native American. The 'Indian Head' was actually a composite of three different chiefs; John Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons. The word 'LIBERTY' appears next to the rim on the upper right side across from the Native American's eyes.

Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Five Cents)

The reverse side of the coin features an American Bison, which was confused as a buffalo by the early Americans. The model for the bison is said to have been taken from a well known bison named Black Diamond at the Central Park Zoo. The words 'UNITED-STATES-OF-AMERICA' appear in an arc across the top, with the words 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' just below the word 'AMERICA' and above the bison. 'FIVE CENTS' appears at the bottom.

Soon after the Buffalo Nickel went into production it was discovered that the reverse design had a problem. The words 'FIVE CENTS' were inscribed upon a raised mound shape which made it very susceptible to wear. During that first year the design was modified by removing the mound so that the words would be lower. It is interesting to note that there was a similar problem with the date, but that was not modified. As a result it is very common to see circulated Buffalo Nickels without a readable date.

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel with the raised date on the mound is known as 'Variety 1', the remainder of the coins are known as 'Variety 2'

There are other varieties and oddities including, but not limited to:

• 1916/1916 Doubled Die
• 1918/1917-D Doubled Die Over-date
• 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
• 1937-D which is known as the '3 Legged' Buffalo Nickel. The missing leg was a result of an already heavily worn die being over polished.

Any Buffalo nickel with a readable date is worth at least thirty-five to forty cents, however, some Buffalo Nickels are worth thousands of dollars.

Buffalo Nickel Specifications

Diameter: 21.2 mm
Weight: 5.0 g
Composition: 75% Nickel 25% Copper
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser

Written by David Slone, Copyright 2008 CoinCollectorGuide.com

Buffalo Nickel Mintage Numbers

Comments

On the reverse, Fraser used a depiction of the American Bison as the main design, which can be found centered. The denomination 'FIVE CENTS' can be found directly below the ground that the bison is standing on. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' can be found above the bison.

Unlike other series of coins that had many composition changes over their lifetimes, the Buffalo Nickel was made of the same composition throughout its entire life. This composition was made of a 75% nickel and 25% copper mix and resulted in the Buffalo Nickel weighing 5.0 grams. The diameter is 21.2mm and has no reeding that can be found on the edges.

If you would like to know more about the Buffalo Nickel or other rare and collectible nickels, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Nickels.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse

History of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel

The final three years of the Buffalo Nickel series saw a large increase in the number of examples that were produced. This resulted in 58,264,000 1935 Buffalo Nickels being produced. This is the smallest mintage out of the final three years of Buffalo Nickel production.

One problem that all Buffalo Nickels faced was the heavy wear that happened quickly while in circulation. This means that most 1935 Buffalo Nickels will have a good amount of wear on them, resulting in the condition being either 'Good' or 'Fine.'

1935 Buffalo Nickels in better condition are more common than other dates but are still very scarce. The reason that more 1935 Buffalo Nickels can be found in better condition is due to them not experiencing as much circulation as earlier dates.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Double Die Reverse

One of the most well-known mint errors for the 1935 Buffalo Nickel is the Double Die Reverse (also known as a DDR).

This error occurs when the master hub has part of the design doubled, which then transfers to the main die used to strike the coins. Coins struck with this die then exhibit the doubling. Doubling in considered a major mint error and normally has a much higher premium than other types of errors.

Specifically, the doubling on the 1935 Buffalo Nickel can be found in the phrase 'FIVE CENTS.' At the bottom of each letter, there will be a crease or ledge that is visible.

The use of magnification could be useful in helping distinguish whether there is doubling that is present.

The 1935 Buffalo Nickel DDR is a very rare coin with very few examples ever made. If you suspect that you have such an example, be sure to take the coin to a trusted coin dealer for a second opinion. A third-party coin grader can also help identify, grade, and preserve your coin for a fee.

Value of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel

Minted in much greater numbers than most other dates in the series, the 1935 Buffalo Nickel in average condition is not worth a significant amount. In better condition, the coin is worth much more.

1935 Buffalo Nickel Gold

Average 1935 Buffalo Nickels in 'Good' condition are worth about $1 while those in 'Fine' condition are worth about $2. Higher grade examples in 'Extra Fine' condition retail for $3.

Liberty gold coin. Uncirculated grades are worth significantly more than lower graded 1935 Buffalo Nickels. MS-60 examples are valued at $21, while MS-63 is worth $35. PCGS values a 1935 Buffalo Nickel in MS-65 condition at $130.

1935 DDR Buffalo Nickels are worth a huge premium over a regular strike. Even in 'Fine' condition, these coins command a hefty price tag of $100. 'Extra Fine' condition sees the price skyrocket to $775. Only 6 examples of the 1935 DDR Buffalo Nickel have been graded, and are valued at an astonishing $6,500!

Buffalo Nickel

1913 – 1938

The name 'Buffalo Nickel' is actually a misnomer, as the animal appearing on the reverse is in fact a bison and not a buffalo. The true name of this very popular coin is the Five Cent Indian Head, however, the name 'Buffalo Nickel' seems to have been set as its most widely used and accepted name.

The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a portrait of a Native American. The 'Indian Head' was actually a composite of three different chiefs; John Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons. The word 'LIBERTY' appears next to the rim on the upper right side across from the Native American's eyes.

Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Five Cents)

The reverse side of the coin features an American Bison, which was confused as a buffalo by the early Americans. The model for the bison is said to have been taken from a well known bison named Black Diamond at the Central Park Zoo. The words 'UNITED-STATES-OF-AMERICA' appear in an arc across the top, with the words 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' just below the word 'AMERICA' and above the bison. 'FIVE CENTS' appears at the bottom.

Soon after the Buffalo Nickel went into production it was discovered that the reverse design had a problem. The words 'FIVE CENTS' were inscribed upon a raised mound shape which made it very susceptible to wear. During that first year the design was modified by removing the mound so that the words would be lower. It is interesting to note that there was a similar problem with the date, but that was not modified. As a result it is very common to see circulated Buffalo Nickels without a readable date.

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel with the raised date on the mound is known as 'Variety 1', the remainder of the coins are known as 'Variety 2'

There are other varieties and oddities including, but not limited to:

• 1916/1916 Doubled Die
• 1918/1917-D Doubled Die Over-date
• 1935 Doubled Die Reverse
• 1937-D which is known as the '3 Legged' Buffalo Nickel. The missing leg was a result of an already heavily worn die being over polished.

Any Buffalo nickel with a readable date is worth at least thirty-five to forty cents, however, some Buffalo Nickels are worth thousands of dollars.

Buffalo Nickel Specifications

Diameter: 21.2 mm
Weight: 5.0 g
Composition: 75% Nickel 25% Copper
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser

Written by David Slone, Copyright 2008 CoinCollectorGuide.com

Buffalo Nickel Mintage Numbers

Comments

1. Hello,

   Can you tell me if an Indian Head Nickle without a date has any value?

   Thank You

2. I have an Indian head Nickel and it has no date but i can see were the words Liberty used To be. the coin looks very old. One one side there is the Bison with the words pluribus unum and on the other side is the Indian head but that side of the coin is upside down.

   Is it worth anything?

   Michael Houghton
   England

3. i hv a 1913 nickel wt a lady on it and 1901 indian head on it and a dime 1916 r they any value

4. If it is a U.S. nickel, that was minted in 1913, it would have to be a buffalo nickel. The U.S. mint did issue a nickel (known as the ‘Liberty Head' or ‘V' nickel)in 1913 which is very rare. It has a lady on it. There are only five known. One sold at auction for almost $4 million on Jan. 10, 2010. Most likely what you have is a buffalo nickel., which has a buffalo (or Bison) on the reverse. If your coin has a ‘V' on the reverse, then you are a very very lucky person. Even if it is just a buffalo nickel, if the date is readable it is worth at least $8 – $10. If it has a mint mark, which would be the inscription ‘five cents' it is worth much more! If it has a ‘D' (minted in Denver) it is worth about $15 or more considering the condition. That is if it of the ‘variety 1' type, which has no line above ‘FIVE CENTS' on the reverse. If it is a variety 2. (with a line above ‘FIVE CENTS') it is worth $100 or more. The buffalo nickel issue was also minted in San Fransisco. Variety 1 can go for $45 or more. Variety 2. can go for $300 or more. Again, the mintmark ‘s' would be located underneath ‘FIVE CENTS' on the reverse side of the coin. I hope this helps.

5. i have a 1901 5 cents coin, with a v on one side, and a lady's head on the other, is this coin worth anything ? would appreciate any news about this coin. thanks

   • What you have is a called a 'V' Nickel or Liberty Nickel. You can read about it at http://www.coincollectorguide.com/liberty-nickel/

6. I have a buffalo collection going. I worry about restored dates. I can tell, most of the time by the line above the date. And just the condition of the reverse in relation to the obverse gives me clues. If the reverse is in bad shape, and the obverse has a ‘strong' looking date, I am suspicious. Some of the worst ones, to me are valuable even if the date is barely readable. Any restoration/acid dates are not cool. To some people maybe not though. Am I wrong? Buffalo nickels seem to be especially subject to restoration.

7. See, Buffaloes are going to skyrocket on the collecting market. Watch it happen. Mark my words. People are selling a LOT of restored dates (more than any other type). And people are selling ones that they say are a certain date, but aren't upon close inspection. In many cases, you can't tell if it is a ‘2' or a ‘3' in the date. And time goes by. My suggestion is to collect Buffaloes, now – while they are still somewhat readable.

8. My sister has a 1901 Indian Head nickel with a buffalo on the the back. It has a 'V' on the nickel the date is clear. What is the value of this coin. Please respond.

   Thank you

   Marilee Jackson

   • I dont know for sure what that is but the 'buffalo' nickel wasnt minted until 1913 and the nickel with the 'V' is called a Liberty Nickel ( http://www.coincollectorguide.com/liberty-nickel/ ) but it doesn't have an ‘Indian' on it.

9. I have a 1935 Indian head nickel with the bison upside down on the back along with the line above the five scents and a D under the five cents mark. Is that worth anything? I'm not trying to give it up as it was given to me by a family member as a good luck coin and I had just found it again recently and was curious about it.

   • Hey Mandy, I have a 1935 coin just like you except mine doesn't have any letter under the five cents. Did you ever find out if yours was worth anything? I'm just curious myself.

10. I have a 1936 Indian head buckle the date is clear but the buffalo on the other side is upside down why is that? And is there any value in it? Thank you.

11. Hello, I have acquired a 1930 Buffalo Nickel with letter 'V' missing where it was stamped 'five cents'. It does not look to be worn or rubbed off but a press error. Is this rare? Would it change it's value?

    Thank you

    • its 1913 buffalo nickel reversed

      • the 1913 buffalo nickel is upside down when turned to the indian side

        • Hey I have 3 of the Buffalo Indiana Head nickels with 1927 1934 and 1937 just wanted to know the value of each.

12. the buffalo is upside down when turned over how much is it worth

    • I'm wondering the same thing. I have a 1929 nickel that is inverted

13. I have a two sided Indian head nickel but with a bison on both sides no indian head? No date?
    Can you help me out
    Thanks
    Anne-Marie

14. Has anyone heard of a buffalo nickel with Bison on both sides? No date
    Thank you

15. I have a 1936 e Buffalo nickel, not the best of conditions,
    Any info or want it's worth

16. I have a 1929 indian head that has an error ,it the bison is upside down when fliped over and it has a small triangle imprint on both sides at the top of indian head and very bottom of coin right at the grass line. Does this have a value?

17. I have a 1934 Indian head nickel with no letter? Do you know why it wouldn't have a letter?

18. Is there any value to a 1937 Buffalo Indian head nickel and its in good mint condition.is there any coin collector interested in my nickel.

19. I have an Indian nickel with the five cents under the line and no lettering under the five cents. There is no date on it and under the United States of America it has E Pluribus Unum. The bison is also upside down from the Indian head. Any idea what year this is and how much it's worth?

    • Hi, I have a nickel with the same markings. So far my research has been limited on it. Did you ever get an answer on yours? Thanks

20. i have a 1935 E plurbus unum coin is it worth anything?

21. 1934 Indian nickel with Pluribus misspelled plus us, is there any value associated with this coin, also seems very close to mint condition

22. Damn technology, pluribus is misspelled plurbus on the 1934 Indian nickel

23. I have a coin with no date or letter under he 'Five Cents' but it does have the line above it, so I believe it's a type 2. On the side with the buffalo the words 'E Pluribus Unum' are there. I was wondering if the 1913 coins were the only ones with a type 1 or 2. Also is there any way to tell the age of th coin?

24. Ok my buffalo nickel has a man, who is not an Indian on the back, he wears a hat, has a big beard, even looks a little like a black man, I can find no image of this coin online, the date says 1913 or 1915
    It's hard to read the last #

25. I have a 2005 copper nickel, with president jefferson on the front side and the buffalo 'upside down' on the back side with ( what i believe spells out) E PLURISUS UNUM , stating five cents, under the buffalo. is my coin rare,unique, valuable beyond its normal worth…….

26. I have a 1934 Indian head nickel and when I flip it over the Bison is upside down. Is this common?

27. Can anyone tell me something about the 1921 buffalo nickel I found where there is a V on the buffalo I can't find anything about it anywhere please somebody help me figure this out the local shop was amazed and said they have never heard or seen anything like it

28. I have a buffalo nickel type 2, no mint marks, last 2 digits of the date looks like a 2 and a 3. But hard to tell. It's old, but in oretty good shape. Any use in holding onto it? Or no value?

29. What is a buffalo nickle with close am and it's a 1936 d nickle the date is seen on the coin and how much is it worth with a close am if there's a such thing

30. Hello, I have a 1936 Indian head-bison or buffalo nickel, the bison-buffalo is upside down. Can you give me an idea of it's worth. Lettering is good.

31. I have a Buffalo Indian nickel with the five cents line above it. E plumbuaurs or whatever it says and I would like to know its value. There is no mint mark either. Can you help. I also noticed the front leg on the right side has a partial, it's either a 3 leg or five.