Whitman Expo
Buffalo Nickel Satin Finish 5 Cents PR 1936 Values
Details
When the US Mint resumed the production of proof coins in 1936, the first Buffalo nickels of that proof series were struck with a satin finish similar to the matte proofs of a generation earlier. This did not prove popular with collectors, and the satin finish was quickly terminated in favor of a brilliant proof finish, and some collectors categorically refer to the satin proofs as Type 1 proofs while the Brilliant proofs are dubbed Type 2. About 2,000 are estimated to exist, with most encountered in the PR64-67 range. Several dozen have been certified as PR68, and PCGS has graded two as PR69.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Satin Finish
Variety 2:
1936
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1936
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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