1937 Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic) · United States Mint (Philadelphia Facility)
Pattern: Buffalo Nickel / Indian Head Series (1913-1938)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic)
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Facility)
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no silver despite common visual association.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2mm; Thickness: 1.95mm; Weight: 5.0 grams.
Description
A classic specimen of American numismatic history, the 1937 Buffalo Nickel is renowned for its quintessentially Western imagery. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the obverse shows a dignified Native American chief, while the reverse is famous for its massive bison. This specific piece shows honest wear consistent with circulation during the late 1930s and 1940s.
Key Features
Composite portrait design, 'F' designer initial under the date, and the recessed date area which prevented the date from wearing off as easily as earlier issues.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no silver despite common visual association.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with natural patina; Obverse features a composite profile of a Native American man; Reverse (not shown) features an American Bison.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Dated 1937; LIBERTY inscription; Designer mark 'F' (James Earle Fraser) below the date; No mint mark indicates Philadelphia mint.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a high pressure using machine-milled planchets at the US Mint.
Functional Features
Legal tender five-cent denomination with reeded edge (smooth); raised rims to protect the design elements.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck; characterized by the 'low relief' design introduced in late 1913 to improve the durability of the dies and the visibility of the date.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike characteristics for 1937; appropriate wear patterns on high points (cheekbone, hair); correct typeface for the date and Liberty inscriptions.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Interwar/Great Depression Era (Early 20th Century Americana).
Age Estimate
Dated 1937; approximately 87 years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the American frontier and the 'Wild West'; it marked a transition toward more artistic, indigenous themes in US coinage during the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition; noticeable wear on the hair details and braid, but the date '1937' is fully legible and the LIBERTY text is clear. Surface shows light circulation marks but no major environmental damage.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 (Circulated value). High-grade uncirculated examples can reach $30-$100+.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver cleaners as it destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival holder to prevent environmental spotting.
Similar Pieces
1937-D 'Three-Legged' Buffalo Nickel (rare error variant); 2006-Present American Buffalo Gold Bullion (modern silver/gold versions of this design).
Interesting Facts
The Native American image is a composite of three real men: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca).