1935 Buffalo Nickel Errors, Varieties and Value

The Buffalo nickel series has plenty of doubled dies on the obverse, but 1935 is the year that produced its only major doubled-die reverse — a variety strong enough on FIVE CENTS that it’s become one of the more collectible attributions from the coin’s second half of production. 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

By 1935, production had fully resumed after the Depression-era gaps documented on our 1932 and 1933 pages, with all three mints striking James Earle Fraser’s Type 2 design: a composite Native American portrait on the obverse and a bison on a flatter, recessed reverse ground. The coin is struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighs 5.00 grams, measures 21.21mm, and has a plain edge. Philadelphia coins carry no mintmark; Denver and San Francisco pieces show a D or S beneath FIVE CENTS.

Errors and varieties to know

The 1935 doubled-die reverse shows its strongest doubling on FIVE CENTS, with additional doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM. PCGS identifies it as the series’ only major doubled-die reverse — every other significant doubled die in the Buffalo nickel run, including the famous 1916 DDO, affects the obverse instead. The genuine variety shows rounded, raised separation that matches the documented die; die deterioration and flat, machine-style doubling are not equivalent, even when they make the reverse lettering look unusually thick at a glance.

Normal Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco coins from 1935 are common relative to earlier series keys, and the mere presence of thick-looking reverse letters on an ordinary coin does not make it the DDR — the doubling has to match the documented die precisely.

How to examine a 1935 Buffalo nickel

• Focus on FIVE CENTS and E PLURIBUS UNUM under magnification and raking light, looking for raised, rounded separation between the primary and secondary lettering rather than a flat, thickened appearance.
• Compare any candidate against certified reference photos of the documented 1935 DDR before assuming a variety is present — a worn or clashed die can make the lettering look irregular without genuine doubling being present.
• Rule out mechanical doubling, which produces flat, shelf-like secondary lines rather than the rounded, raised doubling of a true doubled die.
• Raised lines running across the field are usually die cracks; incuse marks are typically scratches or 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

Given how easily die deterioration on the reverse lettering can be mistaken for genuine doubling, buying a certified 1935 doubled-die reverse from PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. Confirm the certification number directly on the grading service’s website.

Understanding grades and condition

Ordinary 1935 nickels are common and affordable across all three mints, with wear following the usual pattern — the portrait’s cheekbone and hair braid first, then the bison’s shoulder and horn. For the DDR specifically, the doubling should remain identifiable even on moderately circulated examples, since it’s part of the design’s relief.

Problem coins

Cleaned, corroded, or environmentally damaged 1935 nickels are common given the coin’s age. A details-graded example, including a details-graded DDR, can be a lower-cost way to own the variety, provided the stated problem is priced accordingly.

Suggested search terms and filters

Start broad: “1935 Buffalo nickel,” “1935 doubled die reverse,” “1935 DDR nickel,” or “1935-D Buffalo nickel.”

Then narrow by:

• Variety: regular strike or doubled-die reverse
• Mint: no mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco)
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or raw

Availability and pricing notes

Ordinary 1935 nickels are common and inexpensive. A certified doubled-die reverse commands a real premium that rises with grade, and pricing should be checked against recent completed sales from a source such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers rather than assumed from a listing price alone.

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 “1935 Buffalo Nickel” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by variety attribution, mint, grade, and certification.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save “1935 Buffalo Nickel” as a wishlist item with variety 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

What makes the 1935 doubled-die reverse notable?

PCGS identifies it as the series’ only major doubled-die reverse — every other significant doubled die in the Buffalo nickel run affects the obverse instead, making this a genuinely distinct attribution.

Where does the doubling appear?

Most strongly on FIVE CENTS, with additional doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM.

How do I avoid mistaking die deterioration for the genuine DDR?

Compare the coin against certified reference photos and look for raised, rounded separation rather than a flat, generally thickened appearance, which is more often the result of a worn or clashed die.

Are ordinary 1935 nickels valuable?

No. All three mints struck common quantities, so typical examples trade close to modest, affordable prices.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1935 Buffalo Nickel” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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