1934 Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$12,000 MS67+ 10-24-2019 Heritage Auctions
Description
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1934 Buffalo Nickel is part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 20.2 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 73% of production. 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. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $2 to $81 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3972.
External References
Error Varieties(6)
1934 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1934 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1934 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1934 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1934 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1934 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
Other Strike Types in This Series
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