Is Your 1935 Buffalo Nickel with Extra Metal Real? Expert Authentication Guide

The Historical Significance of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel

The 1935 Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, represents a pivotal era in American coinage. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this iconic coin features a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. The 1935 issue falls within the coin’s production run from 1913 to 1938, making it a desirable piece for collectors of early 20th-century American currency.

Authentication Guide: Key Diagnostic Points

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. When examining a 1935 Buffalo Nickel, particularly one with unusual characteristics like extra metal, several authentication factors must be considered.

Weight Verification

Authentic Buffalo Nickels should weigh precisely 5.00 grams. Use a calibrated digital scale to verify this measurement. Any significant deviation from this standard weight is an immediate red flag indicating a potential counterfeit or altered coin.

Magnetic Properties Test

Buffalo Nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, making them non-magnetic. Use a strong magnet to test the coin. If the magnet attracts the coin or shows any pull, this indicates the presence of ferrous metals and confirms the piece is not authentic.

Die Markers and Design Details

Examine the coin under magnification (10x loupe minimum) for specific die markers. For 1935 issues, look for:

• Clear definition in the Native American’s hair braid
• Crisp detail in the bison’s fur texture
• Proper spacing and alignment of lettering
• Authentic mint mark placement (if present)

Common Fakes and Alterations

Several types of counterfeits target Buffalo Nickels:

• Cast counterfeits that show porosity and lack sharp details
• Struck counterfeits made from altered genuine dies
• Altered dates, particularly common with 1937-D and 1937-S dates changed to 1936-D and 1936-S
• Surface alterations including added metal or removed details

Testing Methods for Unusual Features

The forum discussion mentions “extra metal” north and east of the R in PLURIBUS. This requires careful examination:

The close up of the reverse was taken at an angle to highlight height.

When examining unusual metal protrusions:

• Use angled lighting to assess height and texture differences
• Check if the extra metal appears fused naturally or looks artificially added
• Examine the edges where the extra metal meets the original surface
• Test with a toothpick or similar tool to determine if the extra material is loose or firmly attached

Expert Analysis: Lamination Error vs. Counterfeit

Based on the forum discussion, multiple experts identified the “extra metal” as a lamination error rather than an addition:

Yes, just a small planchet lamination that has partly separated from the rest of the coin. Unfortunately not significant.

Laminations occur during the minting process when impurities or improper metal bonding causes layers to separate. This creates the appearance of “extra metal” but is actually displaced metal from the original planchet. Key characteristics of genuine laminations include:

• Natural-looking separation along metal layers
• Consistent metal composition with the rest of the coin
• No signs of artificial attachment or glue residue
• Irregular but organic-looking edges

Authentication Checklist

When examining your 1935 Buffalo Nickel with unusual features, use this comprehensive checklist:

1. Verify weight: 5.00 grams ± 0.1 grams
2. Test magnetic properties: should be non-magnetic
3. Examine diameter: 21.2 mm
4. Check thickness: 1.95 mm
5. Magnify design details for sharpness and authenticity
6. Assess any unusual features for natural vs. artificial appearance
7. Look for signs of tooling, glue, or artificial attachment
8. Compare with authenticated reference images

Preservation and Protection

The forum user asked about protecting their coin:

If the extra metal is from the Mint, should I put this in a flip to protect it?

For any valuable coin, proper storage is essential:

• Use archival-quality flips or holders
• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Avoid PVC-containing materials
• Handle only by edges to prevent oil transfer
• Consider professional grading for significant pieces

Value Considerations

While laminations are mint errors, they typically don’t significantly increase a coin’s value unless particularly dramatic. The forum consensus was:

Unfortunately not significant.

However, the coin’s base value depends on its condition and mint mark. 1935 Buffalo Nickels in circulated condition typically range from $1-5, while uncirculated examples can command $50-200 or more depending on grade.

Professional Authentication Services

For high-value coins or when authenticity is in question, consider professional authentication through:

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
• NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
• ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
• ICG (Independent Coin Graders)

Conclusion: The Importance of Expert Authentication

The 1935 Buffalo Nickel with “extra metal” discussed in this forum thread highlights the importance of expert analysis in numismatics. What might appear to be an addition or alteration was correctly identified as a natural lamination error by experienced collectors. This case demonstrates why authentication expertise is invaluable in today’s market, where counterfeits and alterations are increasingly sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to numismatics, understanding these diagnostic points and seeking expert opinions when needed will protect your investment and enhance your collecting experience.

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