$17.00
The 1936 Buffalo Nickel is widely available and not considered a key date in the series, but it is famous for a rare variety.1
The coin’s designation tells the story of an almost-uncirculated piece that was ruined by carelessness.
| Term | Meaning | Impact on Value |
| 1936 | Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark). A very common date in the series. | Low Base Value |
| AU55 (About Uncirculated 55) | A high grade indicating the coin has only slight traces of wear on the highest points of the design, such as the Indian’s braid and the Buffalo’s hip and shoulder. It still retains some of its original mint luster. | High (If problem-free) |
| ANACS | American Numismatic Association Certification Service. A recognized third-party grader that authenticates the coin. | Positive (Verifies the high level of original detail) |
| “Details” | This is the designation given when a coin is genuine but has sustained damage, preventing a numerical grade. | Negative (Severely limits marketability) |
| “Scratched” | A form of permanent physical damage. Scratches, whether hairline or deep, break up the coin’s surface integrity and original luster, a flaw that is highly penalized by collectors. | Severe Negative (Lowers value substantially) |
For common-date coins like the 1936(P), the “Details” designation causes the coin to lose most, if not all, of the premium associated with its high technical grade.
Estimated Value Range: $5 to $15 USD
The value here is derived primarily from the coin being an authentic, high-detail Buffalo Nickel in a graded holder, but the damage prevents it from realizing the price commanded by problem-free, About Uncirculated coins.
