1936 Satin Finish Nickel PR Values

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1936 Satin Finish Nickel PR 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.

Basic Information

GSID:

3155

Coin Date:

1936

Denomination:

5c / 5 Cents

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

4,420

Coinage Type:

Buffalo nickel

Coinage Years:

1913-1938

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

Satin Finish

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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