The 1935-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $1.50 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 in high mint state grades — and truly pristine examples have sold for thousands at major auctions. If you just found one in an old coin jar or inherited a collection, you’re in the right place to figure out exactly what you’ve got.
If you’re not 100% sure what coin you’re holding, download a free coin identification app to confirm the date, mint mark, and series before diving into values. Getting the identification right is the first step to knowing what your coin is really worth.
What Is the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel — also called the Indian Head Nickel — was minted from 1913 to 1938. It features a bold Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison standing on a mound on the reverse. The “S” mint mark tells you this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 1935, the San Francisco facility produced 10,300,000 Buffalo Nickels, which is a moderate mintage compared to some other years in the series. That number sounds like a lot, but after nearly 90 years of circulation, well-preserved examples are genuinely scarce. The design itself was created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, and it remains one of the most beloved coin designs in American history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who just stumbled onto an old nickel, the 1935-S is a coin worth knowing about.
How Much Is the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel Worth by Grade?
Grade is everything when it comes to coin values. A coin’s grade reflects how much wear it has taken over the years. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what you can expect for the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible but flat | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, some detail remains | $5 – $10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points only | $20 – $40 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, most luster intact | $60 – $90 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor bag marks | $150 – $300 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem quality, sharp strike, great luster | $500 – $1,200+ |
For the most up-to-date 1935-S Buffalo Nickel mint state price data and recent auction results, it’s worth checking a live database regularly — coin market prices do shift over time.
Key Things That Affect Your 1935-S Buffalo Nickel Value
Beyond the basic grade, a few specific factors can push your coin’s value significantly higher — or lower. First, check the strike quality. San Francisco Buffalo Nickels from the mid-1930s are generally well-struck, but weak strikes on the bison’s horn and the Native American’s hair do exist. A sharp, full-detail strike is far more desirable to collectors. Second, look for any signs of cleaning. Coins that have been polished or harshly cleaned are considered “damaged” in the collector world and lose substantial value. Third, the coin’s eye appeal matters — natural original color and surfaces, without spots or discoloration, command premium prices. For a complete breakdown of 1935 nickel value factors across all mint marks and grades, a dedicated coin value resource can help you compare your specific piece against the market. Using CoinHix to track real-time price movements for this coin is a smart move before buying or selling.
How to Find Out If Your Coin Is Worth Grading
If your 1935-S Buffalo Nickel looks like it hasn’t seen much circulation — strong luster, clear details on the bison and portrait, and no major scratches — it might be worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Graded coins in holders (“slabs”) often sell for significantly more than raw coins because buyers trust the certification. The cost to submit typically runs $30–$50 per coin for standard service. For a coin worth $150 or more in raw condition, that investment makes sense. CoinHix makes it easy to research recent certified sale prices so you can decide whether grading is worth it for your specific piece.
Where to Sell a 1935-S Buffalo Nickel
Once you know what you have, selling is straightforward. eBay is the most popular platform for individual coins, with a huge audience of Buffalo Nickel collectors. Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are the go-to options for higher-grade or certified coins. Local coin dealers are convenient but typically pay 50–70% of retail value. For casual sellers, a CoinHix price check before walking into any shop gives you negotiating power and ensures you don’t leave money on the table.
FAQ
Q: How do I find the mint mark on my 1935 Buffalo Nickel?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse (the side with the bison). Look just below the words “FIVE CENTS” — the mint mark will appear there as a small letter. An “S” means San Francisco, a “D” means Denver, and no mint mark means Philadelphia.
Q: Is the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel rare?
A: It’s not considered a key date, but well-preserved uncirculated examples are genuinely hard to find. In grades of MS-65 and above, it’s legitimately scarce and commands strong collector demand.
Q: Can I clean my Buffalo Nickel to make it look better?
A: Please don’t. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes original surface metal and luster, which permanently reduces its collector value. A coin with natural wear is always worth more than a cleaned one to serious buyers.
