1936-S 5C

Description

1936-S Buffalo Five Cents, PCGS MS-67. This impressive 1936-S nickel represents a scarce example of the San Francisco Mint's Buffalo Five Cents coinage, graded PCGS MS-67 (Certificate #49470781). The 1936-S issue, while common in circulated grades, becomes notably difficult to locate in Gem Mint State condition, making this specimen particularly desirable for advanced Buffalo nickel collectors. The San Francisco Mint strike is characteristically sharp for the series, displaying the typical grey brilliant luster associated with high-grade examples from this facility. Designed by the renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, this coin features the iconic Indian Head obverse and American Bison reverse that defined the Buffalo nickel series from 1913 to 1938. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the piece exhibits the standard specifications of 5 grams and 21.2mm diameter with a plain edge. The mintage of 14,930,000 pieces provides context for the relative rarity of this Gem grade example. Population data indicates only 31 coins graded higher than this specimen, with a total population of 145 pieces certified by PCGS at all grades, underscoring the scarcity of the 1936-S in premium Mint State condition. This represents a significant opportunity to acquire a high-grade example of a date that proves elusive in Gem preservation.