1935 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
$57,500 MS68 01-01-2007 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 58.3 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 72% of the year's 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. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1 to $56 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 #3974.
External References
Error Varieties(12)
1935 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1935 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1935 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1935 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1935 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1935 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004
1935 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1935 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1935 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1935 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004
DC-5c-1935-01 Die Chip
