Numismatic

1936-D Buffalo Nickel MS-66 PCGS

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The 1936 nickel struck at the Denver Mint represents a classic era of United States coinage design. Created by sculptor James Fraser, this five-cent piece departs from traditional allegorical figures to celebrate the heritage of the American West. The coin is composed of copper and nickel, containing no precious metal, yet its artistic value remains immense. On the obverse, a dignified profile of a Native American faces right. The single word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right rim, while the year 1936 is clearly struck at the lower left on the shoulder of the portrait. This design represents a composite portrait of indigenous individuals, capturing a powerful and realistic likeness. The reverse of the coin features a massive American bison facing left, standing on a raised mound of earth. This particular animal was modeled after Black Diamond, a famous resident of the Central Park Zoo. Just below the mound, the Denver mint mark, a letter D, is visible, indicating its origin at the Colorado facility. This specific specimen has survived in remarkable condition, graded Mint State 66 (MS-66), retaining the sharp details of Fraser's original vision.