1936 Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

This is a United States five-cent piece, commonly known as a Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, dated 1936. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the obverse features a right-facing portrait of a Native American man, which Fraser stated was a composite based on several individuals. The coin has a diameter of 21.21 mm and is composed of copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). The date '1936' is clearly visible at the bottom left of the portrait on the shoulder area, and the word 'LIBERTY' is struck along the upper right edge. Physically, the coin shows significant signs of thermal or environmental wear, including a dull, matte grey patina and possible verdigris (green spotting) near the date. The design elements, particularly the hair detail and feathers, show moderate flattening consistent with a 'Good' to 'Very Good' (G-VG) grade in numismatic terms. This specimen was minted toward the end of the series (1913-1938) and represents a classic example of early 20th-century American coinage artistry. The surface appears to have minor scratches and contact marks from circulation, but the date remains legible, which is a key value factor for this specific series, as the dates were often the first element to wear away due to their raised position in the original design.

I have examined the 1936 Buffalo Nickel provided via description and image analysis. This specimen is a common-date issue from the Philadelphia mint, with over 119 million originally produced. My assessment places this coin in the 'Good' to 'Very Good' (G-4 to VG-8) condition range. The obverse displays significant flattening on the cheekbone and hair braids, while the environmental damage—specifically the matte grey patina and possible verdigris—adversely affects its eye appeal and long-term preservation. The market for circulated 1936 nickels is highly liquid, but values remain low due to high survival rates. Comparable sales for circulated, raw examples with similar surface issues typically fall between $1 and $3. The legible date is the primary value driver, as many Buffalo nickels lose their dates entirely, rendering them worth only metal content. However, the presence of oxidation/verdigris suggests the coin may have been buried or exposed to harsh chemicals, which prevents it from reaching the higher premiums seen in 'Fine' or 'Extremely Fine' grades. Without physical inspection, I cannot rule out artificial toning or determine the exact depth of the surface corrosion. A definitive authentication would require a handheld loupe to check for 'S' or 'D' mint marks that may have been altered and to confirm the absence of cleaning scratches hidden by the oxidation. For a coin of this value, professional grading (e.g., PCGS or NGC) is not financially recommended, as the submission fees would exceed the market value of the coin.