Numismatic

1936-D Buffalo Nickel MS-65 PCGS

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The 1936 nickel struck at the Denver Mint represents a classic era of American coinage, showcasing a design by James Fraser that departs from traditional allegorical figures. On the obverse, a detailed profile of a Native American faces right, accompanied by the word LIBERTY. This portrait is a composite of multiple individuals, created to capture a powerful and dignified representation. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands atop a raised mound of earth. This particular animal was modeled after Black Diamond, a famous resident of the Central Park Zoo in New York. Below the majestic beast, the denomination is clearly marked alongside the D mint mark, indicating its origin at the Denver facility. This specific coin has been certified in Mint State 65 (MS-65) condition, preserving the intricate textures of the bison's fur and the sharp details of the portrait just as they appeared when the coin left the coining press in 1936.