1935

Philadelphia's 1935 Buffalo nickel mintage reached 58,264,000 coins, the highest production year for Philadelphia since 1919 and reflecting the gradual economic recovery driving increased commercial demand for small-change coinage. The coin is common in all grades and readily available in Mint State. Strike characteristics are generally strong, and Gem-quality examples exist in abundant numbers for specialist demand.

The 1935 Philadelphia is among the most abundant Buffalo nickels in the series. Type collectors often select 1935 examples as representatives of the design at its production peak, and date collectors acquire the coin without any difficulty through major dealer inventories. The high mintage and strong strike quality make MS65 and better examples abundant at modest premiums over common-date baselines.

1935 was a significant year in New Deal policy implementation. The Social Security Act was signed in August, creating the federal old-age insurance program that remains a foundation of American social welfare. The Works Progress Administration was created in May and would employ millions of Americans in public works projects over the following years. The Buffalo nickels struck in 1935 entered a country that was slowly climbing out of the Depression through massive federal intervention in the economy.