The value of a 1935 Buffalo Nickel depends on a few factors, including the coin’s condition and mint mark. A circulated coin is generally worth around $1, while an uncirculated coin can be worth anywhere between $20 and $11,200. The most valuable 1935 Buffalo Nickels are those that were minted at the Denver Mint and bear the “D” mint mark. These coins are typically worth around $11,200 in perfect condition.
Buffalo nickels are a popular choice among coin collectors for a number of reasons. First, the design is unique and Eye-catching, with a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other. Second, the coins are relatively rare, due to their short minting period from 1913 to 1938.
If you’re like most people, you probably have a few old coins lying around your house. And if you’re lucky, one of those coins might be a 1935 Buffalo Nickel. These coins are becoming increasingly rare, and their value is going up all the time! In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the 1935 Buffalo Nickel and discuss how much it is really worth. Stay tuned for more information!
What are Buffalo Nickels
Buffalo nickels, also known as Indian Head nickels, were minted from 1913 till 1938. They are so named because they paying homage to American Bison and Native Americans. The obverse side of the coin features a proud Native American, while the reverse side depicts a powerful buffalo. The quantity of specimens created during the final three years of the Buffalo Nickel series significantly increased. As a result, 58,264,000 1935 Buffalo Nickels were manufactured in 1935.
James Earle Fraser was an American sculptor who designed many famous works, including the Buffalo Nickel. Born in Minnesota in 1876, Fraser began his career as an apprentice to a stone carver. He later studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After returning to the United States, Fraser embarked on a successful career as a sculptor. In 1913, Fraser was commissioned to design the Buffalo Nickel, which quickly became one of America’s most popular coins. The coin is now considered a classic of American numismatics.
Buffalo nickels are considered to be some of the most beautiful coins ever minted, and they are highly sought after by collectors. Although they no longer circulate, buffalo nickels can still be found in pockets and purses, hidden away and forgotten. For those lucky enough to stumble upon one of these treasures, it’s a reminder of a time when America was wild and untamed.
1935 Buffalo Nickel Identification Guide
Here are some tips for identifying a genuine a 1935 Buffalo Nickel, also known as 1935 Indian Head nickel:
The first thing to look at is the metal composition. A genuine Buffalo Nickel will be made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. If the coin is made of any other materials, it is likely a counterfeit. Next, check the diameter of the coin. A genuine Buffalo Nickel will have a diameter of 21.2 mm.
Another way to spot a fake is to look at the thickness of the coin. A real Buffalo Nickel will be 1.95 mm thick. Finally, examine the edge of the coin. A genuine Buffalo Nickel will have a plain edge, while a fake may have an ornate or textured edge.
On the obverse, you’ll see the profile of a Native American chief, with the word LIBERTY printed above his head. The date will be stamped below. On the reverse, you’ll see an American bison standing atop a mound of dirt. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM will be printed around the edge of the coin, while the words FIVE CENTS will be stamped below the buffalo.
While most Buffalo Nickels were minted in Philadelphia, a small number were produced at the San Francisco and Denver Mints. One way to identify which Mint produced your coin is by looking at the mint mark. The San Francisco Mint used an “S” mint mark, while the Denver Mint used a “D” mint mark. If your coin does not have a mint mark, it was most likely produced in Philadelphia. On all nickels there is a letter “F” on the obverse side of the coin, under the date. This letter refers to the sculptor James Earl Fraser, who designed the Buffalo Nickel.
By following these identification guidelines, you can avoid being fooled by a counterfeit Buffalo Nickel.
1935 Buffalo Nickel Value
| Quality | 1935 no mint mark | 1935 S | 1935 D |
| Circulated | $1 | $1 | $2 |
| MS 60 | $23-$27 | $50-$60 | $74-$89 |
| MS 63 | $37-$45 | $74-$89 | $94-$113 |
| MS 65 | $115-$133 | $182-$218 | $300-$344 |
| MS 67 | $809-$1090 | $2380-$2880 | $8120-$11,200 |
The coin was widely circulated in the past, and many examples can still be found today in circulated condition. However, due to its age and rarity, the Buffalo Nickel has become increasingly valuable. In circulated condition, the 1935 Indian Head nickel value is around one dollar. In uncirculated condition, the coin is worth around $23 in MS 60 grade and $115 to $133 in MS 65 grade. Very few coins that are graded MS 67 can be worth over one thousand dollars.
The 1935 S Buffalo Nickel is a scarce coin with a mintage of only 10,300,000. This makes it the lowest mintage for any Buffalo Nickel in 1935. The coin is also valuable, with a circulated coin costing around $1. The uncirculated 1935 S Buffalo Nickel value in MS 60 grade can fetch up to $61. However, the most valuable 1935 S Buffalo Nickels are those that grade MS 65 or higher, which can sell for several thousand dollars. Therefore, if you happen to have one of these rare coins, be sure to hang on to it!
The 1935 D Buffalo Nickel is one of the more popular coins among collectors. The D indicates that it was minted in Denver, and 12,092,000 coins were produced that year. Circulated examples are worth around $2, but uncirculated examples can be worth much more. In MS 60 grade, an uncirculated coin is worth $74 to $89, but in MS 65 grade, the 1935 D Buffalo Nickel value is $300 to $344. The rare MS 67 grade can fetch $8,120 to $11,200.
What is the Most Expensive 1935 Buffalo Nickel Ever Sold?
The most expensive 1935 Buffalo Nickel ever sold was graded MS68 by PCGS and sold for $57,500 in 2007. This particular coin is one of only 27 in this grade, and it is noted for its vibrant luster and better-than-normal strike. The coin does have one or two small flaws, but these do not significantly detract from its value. This coin is a reminder of the importance of maintaining the quality of our coinage, and it is also a testament to the enduring popularity of the Buffalo Nickel design.
Factors That Determine the 1935 Buffalo Nickel Value
When determining the value of a Buffalo Nickel, there are three main factors to consider: condition, mint location, rarity and market fluctuations. By taking all of these factors into account, you can get a good sense of what your Buffalo Nickel is worth.
Condition
While there are many factors that contribute to coin values, one of the most important is condition. A coin that has been well-preserved will be worth more than one that has been heavily circulated. The Sheldon Scale is a standard grading system that ranges from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70). A collectible coin with a grade of MS-70 is considered to be flawless, while one with a grade of P-1 has significant wear and tear.
Some of the common valuable grades include:
- Uncirculated (MS-60, 61, 62): Uncirculated coin with obvious flaws, usually an excessive amount of bagmarks, a bad strike, or low shine.
- Select Uncirculated (MS-63): Uncirculated coin with merely average aesthetic appeal.
- Choice Uncirculated (MS-64): An uncirculated coin with a few light flaws or distracting marks.
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65, 66): An uncirculated coin with only a few unnoticeable flaws or blemishes. Although toning is perfectly acceptable at this time, full pristine brilliance is desired.
- Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS-67, 68, 69): An uncirculated coin with the smallest possible distracting blemishes or flaws.
- Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70): A collectible coin without any flaws.
Of course, even if your 1935 Buffalo nickel is in average condition, it can still have significant value. So don’t be discouraged if your coin isn’t pristine – it could still be worth quite a lot.
Rarity
The coin’s rarity plays a role in its value. The most valuable Buffalo Nickels are those that were minted at the San Francisco or Denver mints. These coins are rarer than those minted at the Philadelphia mint, and as such, they command a higher price.
Another factor that can affect the value of a Buffalo Nickel is whether or not it contains errors. Rare coins that contain errors are much more valuable than those that do not, and as a result, they are highly sought after by collectors.
Double die reverse is a type of minting error that occurs when the die used to strike a coin is misaligned. As a result, the design on the coin is doubled. While double die reverse errors can occur on any type of coin, they are most common on smaller denominations such as pennies and nickels. This is because the design elements on these coins are closer together, making it easier for the die to become misaligned. One of the most famous examples of double die reverse can be found on the 1935 Buffalo Nickel. On this coin, the phrase “FIVE CENTS” is doubled.
But what about the value of a double die reverse Buffalo Nickel? Only a few hundred examples of this rare coin were made, and most of them have been circulated. As a result, the price for circulating coins will be $42 to $1,667. However, the price for specimens in the mint state will go to $5,462 or even $25,300 for the best-preserved ones.
Current Market Conditions
The value of a Buffalo Nickel depends on a number of factors, including the current market conditions and the condition of the coin itself. Collectors should check recent prices of similar coins to get an idea of what their Buffalo Nickel might be worth. For example:
- A circulated 1935 Buffalo nickel with visible wear sold for $2.
- A circulated 1935 S Buffalo nickel sold for $3,78.
- A set of circulated 1935 no mint mark, 1935 S and 1935 D nickels sold for around $5.
- A 1935 D Buffalo nickel in certified mint state graded MS 64 sold for $50.
FAQ
Are there 1935 proof nickels?
Some people believe that there are 1935 proof nickels in existence, but this is not the case. The United States Mint never struck proof coins in 1935. This is not surprising, as proof coins are typically only produced for one year before a new design is introduced. So, while there may be some proof nickels out there, they’re certainly not from 1935! Any coin advertised as such is either a fake or misidentified business strike.
What makes a 1935 Buffalo nickel rare?
During the Great Depression, many people hoarded Buffalo nicenes, and as a result, very few of them remain in pristine condition today. Consequently, 1935 Buffalo nickels are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch a high price at auction. There are less than 1% of these coins in pristine condition with desired luster and complete details. As a result, these coins are quite rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Is there a 1935 buffalo nickel upside down buffalo error variety?
There has been much speculation about the existence of a 1935 buffalo nickel upside down buffalo error variety. Some collectors believe that a small number of these coins were minted by mistake, and that they are now extremely valuable. However, no definitive proof of their existence has yet been found. If you believe you may have found one of these coins, it is important to have it appraised by a professional before making any assumptions.
In order to confirm the existence of this error, collectors would need to locate a coin that was definitely minted in 1935 and that shows the buffalo upside down. So far, no such coin has been found. As a result, the jury is still out on this one.
Are 1935 buffalo nickels made of silver?
The short answer is no, 1935 buffalo nickels are not made of silver. Instead, they are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy.
In 1942, the U.S. Mint switched to using an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese for all of its nickel coins. This change was made in order to conserve copper for use in wartime production. Consequently, any buffalo nickels minted from 1942 onward will contain some silver. However, the 1935 buffalo nickel predates this change, and as such, it is composed entirely of copper and nickel.
Where is the mint mark on a 1935 Indian head nickel?
The mint mark is located on the reverse under the words “FIVE CENTS.” This information can be helpful when determining the value of a coin. The mint mark will indicate which mint produced the coin, and this can impact its value. So, if you’re curious about that 1935 Indian head nickel, take a closer look at the reverse side to find the mint mark.
What year is the rarest buffalo nickel?
Given the age and limited production, it’s no surprise that some buffalo nickels are quite rare. The 1918/7-D coin is considered to be the rarest, with only 7,000 examples known to exist. While this may seem like a lot, it’s actually a very small number when compared to the millions of coins that were minted during that time period. As a result, the 1918/7-D buffalo nickel is a highly prized coin among collectors.
Final Thoughts
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel is a beloved American coin that celebrates the natural beauty of the American Plains. The Native American on the obverse side pays tribute to the indigenous peoples who have Called this land home for centuries, while the mighty buffalo on the reverse side represents the abundant wildlife that once roamed the plains. Today, the Buffalo Nickel is highly sought after by collectors and is considered a classic piece of Americana. If you’re lucky enough to find one in your pocket change, take a closer look to see if it’s a genuine 1935 Buffalo Nickel.
A 1935 Buffalo Nickel in circulated condition is generally worth around $1. However, if the coin is uncirculated, it can be worth anywhere between $20 and $20000, depending on the condition and mint mark. The most valuable Buffalo Nickels are those that were minted at the Denver Mint in 1935. Other Buffalo Nickels from 1935 that were minted at other mints are also valuable, but not to the same extent as those from Denver. So, if you have a 1935 Buffalo Nickel, be sure to take it to a coin dealer to get an accurate appraisal. You might just be sitting on a small fortune!
