1936 (S) 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
$6,169 MS67+ 12-15-2016 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1936 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 14.9 million examples, making this the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 8% of total 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 San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $2 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 #3979.
External References
Error Varieties(13)
1936-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1936-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-007
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-008
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-009
1936-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-010
