1937 Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Five-Cent Piece)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, designed by James Earle Fraser
Pattern: Buffalo Nickel / Indian Head Design
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, designed by James Earle Fraser
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This item contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2mm; Thickness: 1.95mm; Weight: 5.0 grams.
Description
A classic example of American numismatic art, the 1937 Buffalo Nickel features a rugged, realistic portrait of a Native American chief, intended to represent the spirit of the American West. Despite its silvery appearance, the coin is composed entirely of copper and nickel.
Key Features
Incuse date on the shoulder which was prone to wearing off; distinct profile based on three different Native American models.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This item contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-strike business finish; Obverse features a right-facing portrait of a Native American; Reverse (not visible) features an American Bison.
Hallmarks & Stamps
"LIBERTY" inscription at 2 o'clock; "1937" date on the shoulder; incuse "F" designer mark below the date.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a US Mint facility (likely Philadelphia as no mint mark is visible on the obverse).
Functional Features
Reeded edge; legal tender currency (historically).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic item).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine die-struck; high-relief sculptural quality atypical for circulating coinage of the era.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typography for 'LIBERTY'; proper alignment of the date; characteristic wear patterns on the cheekbone and hair braids.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century American (1913-1938); Great Depression era.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1937 (87 years old as of 2024).
Cultural Significance
Part of the 'Renaissance of American Coinage' initiated by Theodore Roosevelt to move US currency away from 'hideous' designs toward high-art aesthetics.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with moderate wear. The date is still clearly visible, which is favorable for this series as the date often wore away first. Surface shows light scratches and typical gray patination. Grade: Very Good (VG) to Fine (F).
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD in this circulated condition. Values increase significantly for uncirculated (MS60+) specimens or the '3-legged' variety.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; numismatic value is destroyed by abrasive cleaning. Store in an acid-free holder or 'flip'.
Similar Pieces
Jefferson Nickel (introduced 1938); commemorative 2001 Silver Buffalo Dollar (which contains .999 silver).
Interesting Facts
The 1937 issue is famous for the 'Three-Legged Buffalo' error, caused by over-polishing a die, though this only occurred on Denver (D) mint specimens.