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1934-D

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 7,480,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1317

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About this coinHistory

Denver struck 7,480,000 Buffalo nickels in 1934, restoring branch mint production after the two-year gap. The coin is available in circulated grades and accessible in Mint State with moderate effort. Strike characteristics are generally strong for Denver resumption-year production, and Gem-quality examples exist in adequate numbers for specialist demand.

Collectors building complete Buffalo nickel sets acquire the 1934-D without extraordinary difficulty. The coin is typical of mid-1930s Denver production. Well-struck Gem examples command modest premiums without being prohibitively scarce.

The 1934-D represents the return of Denver Buffalo nickel production after the 1932-1933 Depression gap. The facility had been producing gold and silver coins throughout the hiatus but had stopped nickel production entirely until the 1934 resumption. The coin is therefore a witness to both the Depression's economic damage and the gradual recovery that New Deal policies were beginning to support.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $1 $1.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $2 $2.50
F-12 Fine (F) $3 $3.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $7 $8.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $19.50 $23
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $36 $42
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $65 $75
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $138 $146
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1934-D Buffalo Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $1–$1.50, rising to roughly $65–$75 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1934-D Buffalo Nickels were minted?
7,480,000 were struck.
What is a 1934-D Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1934-D Buffalo Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1934-D Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.