Coin and Paper Money Collecting/buffalo nickle

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Expert: - 6/1/2010


Question
I was wondering how much a 1935 silver buffalo nickle is worth?

Answer
Hi Dillon:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

Your coin is not silver, but actually made of .750 copper and .250 nickel. It was struck in 1935 with two different mint marks, a "D" for Denver, and a "S" for San Francisco. Coins struck in Philadelphia had no mint mark. The mint mark for this coin is found on the reverse under "FIVE CENTS". Both the mint mark and the grade determine the value of your coin.

The 2011 edition of the Red Book of US Coins shows a retail value of $1 in Good to $3 to $15 for an Extra Fine example, depending on the mint mark. There is a scarce variety on the 1935P Buffalo, which has a doubled die reverse. If your coin has no mint mark, look at the reverse closely for doubling. This variety goes for $45 in Good to over $400 in Extra Fine condition.  

You may want to check the eBay listing under US coins in the nickel category to see if coins like yours are listed and what they are going for.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area.
Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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