The 1935-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $1.50 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 in top mint state grades — and rare high-grade examples have sold for even more at major auctions. If you found one of these in an old coin jar or inherited collection, you might be sitting on a surprisingly valuable piece of American history.
What Is the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel?
The 1935-S Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint and carries a small “S” mint mark on the reverse, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” It’s part of the iconic Buffalo Nickel series, officially called the Indian Head Nickel, which ran from 1913 to 1938.
Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin features a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse — two images that have made it one of the most beloved classic U.S. coin designs ever produced.
The San Francisco Mint produced around 10.3 million Buffalo Nickels in 1935, which makes the 1935-S more scarce than the Philadelphia issue but not as rare as some other key dates in the series. That said, finding one in nice condition is still a real treat.
If you’re not sure whether your coin has a mint mark or want help identifying it, a coin identifier and value app can walk you through the details quickly and easily.
1935-S Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
The value of your 1935-S Buffalo Nickel depends almost entirely on its condition, or “grade” in collector terms. A coin that’s been heavily circulated will show flat details on the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbone — those are the first spots to wear down.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail | $3 – $5 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, clear lettering | $6 – $10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $20 – $35 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, most luster | $50 – $80 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, some marks | $150 – $300 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | Sharp, near-perfect strike | $700 – $1,500+ |
You can explore current 1935-S Buffalo Nickel prices across mint state grades to see how auction results and retail values compare in real time.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Worth More
Beyond basic grade, a few other factors can push the value of your 1935-S Buffalo Nickel higher.
Strike quality matters a lot with Buffalo Nickels. San Francisco coins from this era sometimes show weak strikes, especially on the horn of the buffalo. A coin with a sharp, full horn commands a strong premium over one that looks mushy or soft in those areas.
Luster and eye appeal also play a big role. Collectors love coins that still have their original surface texture — that frosty or satiny look that fresh-from-the-mint coins have. Any cleaning or polishing will dramatically reduce value, even if the coin looks shinier to you.
Original skin is a term collectors use to describe untouched surfaces. If your 1935-S has never been cleaned and shows natural toning, it may actually be worth more than a bright, cleaned example of the same grade.
CoinHix is a great tool to pull up recent sale data on specific grades and see what buyers are actually paying right now — not just estimated book values.
Is the 1935-S Buffalo Nickel Rare?
The 1935-S is not a key date in the Buffalo Nickel series, but it’s far from common, especially in collectible condition. The real key dates — like the 1913-S Type 2, the 1916 Doubled Die, or the 1918/7-D overdate — are far rarer and worth tens of thousands of dollars.
That said, the 1935-S is what collectors call a semi-key or better date in higher grades. Finding one in MS-65 or better is genuinely difficult, and those coins fetch serious money from serious collectors.
For most people who stumble across a 1935-S Buffalo Nickel in a drawer or old coin album, the coin will likely be in circulated condition — still collectible, still a cool piece of history, and worth holding onto rather than spending.
For a full breakdown of what a 1935 Buffalo Nickel is worth across all mint marks and grades, it’s worth taking a few minutes to look up your specific coin before making any decisions about selling.
How to Check Your 1935-S Buffalo Nickel Value at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a solid idea of what your coin is worth. Start by identifying the mint mark — flip the coin over and look just below “FIVE CENTS” for a small letter.
Next, compare your coin to grading images online. Focus on the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbone. If both are fully visible and sharp, you’re looking at a higher-grade coin.
Finally, use CoinHix or another trusted pricing resource to find current values for your estimated grade. Apps like CoinHix make it especially easy to photograph your coin and get a quick sense of what it might be worth — all from your phone.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my Buffalo Nickel is a 1935-S?
A: Look for the date on the obverse (front) of the coin — it should clearly read “1935.” Then flip it over and check for a small “S” mint mark just below the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. If there’s no letter, it came from the Philadelphia Mint.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1935-S Buffalo Nickel graded by PCGS or NGC?
A: Generally, professional grading makes sense if your coin appears to be in AU or better condition. The cost of grading (usually $20–$50+ per coin) is only worthwhile if the coin is likely worth $100 or more — which high-grade 1935-S examples certainly can be.
Q: Can I clean my 1935-S Buffalo Nickel to make it look better?
A: Please don’t. Cleaning a coin — even with gentle methods — removes the original surface and significantly reduces its value to collectors. A naturally worn, unclean coin will always be worth more to a serious buyer than a polished one of the same grade.