Copper -1935 Buffalo Nickel

to the CCF

I doubt that the coin is actually copper, most likely environmental toning has changed the surface color.

Can you provide an accurate weight in grams to 2 decimal places? That would give us the answer.

All I have is a kitchen scale and it says 5 grams, same as an original Buffalo nickel. Same size also. The reason I ask, is that it's bright and shiny copper all over. Thanks.

I'm in the environmental toning camp but there are examples of Buffalo's struck on copper planchets that are scarce, here's an example of a 1920 which weighs 4.96 grams. https://mikebyers.com/copperbuffalo.html

You have the coin in hand, we don't. If your eyes tell you it's copper then I suppose thats a possibility.




I was misguided asking about the weight - it will not alone answer the question.

In 1936 the Buffalo nickel was minted from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The density of 75% Cu and 25% Ni is 8.90 grams/cubic centimeter.

The 1936 cents were minted from an alloy of 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin. The density of that alloy is 8.87 grams/cubic centimeter.

So, the two alloys in a normal size Buffalo nickel will essentially weigh the same.

What you need to do to definitively answer the question is take your coin to a local jeweler or coin dealer who has an XRF machine.

This is a non-destructive test that will determine the specific alloy composition in your coin.

Report back what the test results are.

To CCF! As stated, probably most likely environmental toning from being in the ground at one time. Might be a metal detector find that was put back into circulation.

If you get it XRF test done, come back and let us know the results.

Do you know if any Buffalos were ever copper plated?

Thank you.

There are many basic chemical experiments that can raise a thin layer of copper to the surface of a U.S. five cent coin. Environmental toning can do it, too.