1934 Buffalo Nickel Errors, Varieties and Value

After two consecutive years with no Buffalo nickel production at all, 1934 marks the series’ return to normal three-mint output — a resumption driven by slowly improving economic conditions rather than any change to the coin’s design or specifications. GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

Design and history

The 1934 nickel carries James Earle Fraser’s Type 2 reverse, unchanged since midway through 1913: a composite Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison on a flatter, recessed reverse ground. All 1934 nickels are struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weigh 5.00 grams, measure 21.21mm, and have a plain edge. Philadelphia coins carry no mintmark; Denver and San Francisco pieces show a D or S beneath FIVE CENTS — resuming full production after the total gaps documented on our 1932 and 1933 pages.

Errors and varieties to know

No major, broadly recognized error or die variety is singled out for 1934 in the principal PCGS and NGC references. Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues differ somewhat in scarcity and typical strike quality, but a tougher date or higher condition rarity is not, by itself, an error, and none of the 1934 issues rank among the series’ major keys.

How to examine a 1934 Buffalo nickel

Since this date’s value is driven mainly by grade and strike rather than a named variety, a careful side-by-side comparison of listings pays off:

• Examine the portrait’s cheekbone and hair braid, along with the bison’s horn and shoulder, to establish a baseline sense of wear before comparing coins across different sellers.
• Look for a complete strike across the reverse — some 1934 dies show softness on the horn and shoulder, and a sharp strike is worth a real premium.
• Genuine doubled dies show raised, rounded secondary design in a fixed, repeatable position; flat or shelf-like doubling is mechanical, not a collectible variety.
• Raised lines across the field typically indicate die cracks; incuse marks usually point to scratches or handling damage.

As with other dates in this series, worn or damaged dates are sometimes chemically treated or re-engraved to appear sharper — a practice covered in our guide to documented counterfeit U.S. coins. Avoid cleaning any candidate coin before it’s been evaluated.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

A raw 1934 nickel from a reputable dealer is a reasonable purchase at common grades. Certification adds the most value for high Mint State examples, where eye appeal and strike quality are what you’re paying a premium for.

Understanding grades and condition

When comparing listings at the same stated numerical grade, look at the actual photographs rather than the grade alone — strike quality and eye appeal can vary meaningfully between two coins graded identically, and that difference often explains why one listing costs more than another.

Problem coins

Cleaning, corrosion, and environmental damage are common among coins pulled from decades-old accumulations. A details-graded 1934 nickel is a sensible, lower-cost way to fill the date, provided the price reflects the stated problem.

Suggested search terms and filters

Start broad: “1934 Buffalo nickel,” “1934-D Buffalo nickel,” or “1934 Philadelphia nickel.”

Then narrow by:

• Mint: no mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco)
• Strike: full strike versus typical strike
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or raw

Availability and pricing notes

Ordinary 1934 nickels are common and affordably priced across all three mints. High Mint State examples with a sharp strike command a premium over typical survivors. Compare recent completed sales before assuming a listing’s asking price reflects the market.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1934 Buffalo Nickel” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by mint, strike quality, grade, and certification.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save “1934 Buffalo Nickel” as a wishlist item with mint or grade preferences where available.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify certification and photographs, read the full listing, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

Why did production resume in 1934?

Slowly improving economic conditions increased the need for new coinage after two full years, 1932 and 1933, with no Buffalo nickel production at all.

Is there a headline variety for 1934?

No major, broadly recognized error or die variety is documented for this date in the principal references used here.

Are any 1934 mints notably scarce?

None rank among the series’ major keys, so grade and strike quality drive value more than mint scarcity alone.

Should I have an ordinary 1934 nickel certified?

It’s optional at common grades but worthwhile for high Mint State examples with strong eye appeal.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1934 Buffalo Nickel” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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