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1936-S

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 14,930,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1327

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco struck 14,930,000 Buffalo nickels in 1936, a substantial production year that places the 1936-S in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is available in all circulated grades and readily accessible in Mint State through major dealer inventories. Strike characteristics are generally strong, with the mid-1930s improvements in San Francisco Buffalo production visible in typical examples.

Collectors building complete Buffalo nickel sets acquire the 1936-S without difficulty. The coin is typical of mid-1930s San Francisco production at its quality peak. Gem-quality examples are available at modest premiums over common-date baselines, making the 1936-S accessible to specialists building high-grade sets.

The 1936 production year represents the Buffalo nickel series at its strongest. All three mints produced large quantities of well-struck coins, and the overall quality of 1936 examples is higher than any other year in the series. For collectors interested in representative Buffalo nickel quality, 1936 coins (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) provide the best available combinations of availability, affordability, and strike sharpness.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $1 $1
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $1.50 $1.50
F-12 Fine (F) $1.50 $1.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $2 $2
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $3 $3.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $10 $11.50
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $30 $35
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $48 $50
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1936-S Buffalo Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $1, rising to roughly $30–$35 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1936-S Buffalo Nickels were minted?
14,930,000 were struck.
What is a 1936-S Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1936-S 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 1936-S Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.