The 1937-S Buffalo Nickel

Despite being minted almost a century ago, the iconic Buffalo nickel is still highly sought-after by coin collectors across the world. Noted for its distinctly American design, featuring an Indian head on the obverse and a buffalo atop a hill on the reverse, the 1937-S Buffalo nickel is still extremely popular today amongst collectors of all calibers due to its unique design.

Final Years of the Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo nickel had been in circulation for the minimum 25 years, and Mint officials were ready to change its design to something new. Since the beginning of the design, the Mint had regular issues with the die casts and weak strikings of the Buffalo nickel, which lead to the coin’s easier wear and tear. Early in 1938, the Mint announced a new nickel design, which featured early President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse, and Jefferson's home, Monticello on the reverse.

1937-S Buffalo Nickel Values

The 1937-S Buffalo nickel was minted in lower numbers than its counterparts at the historic San Francisco mint. Because of this, and the rarity of a Buffalo nickel in great condition, this is a highly collectible coin with an average value of around one dollar. However, like many older coins, condition is key to the coin’s value - look for clear, distinct engravings and signs of wear to determine a coin’s grade. A mint condition, uncirculated coin is valued at a little over thirty dollars.

 

Type of coin: Nickel

Year: 1937

Mint Mark: San Francisco

Total mintage: 5,635,000

Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Face value: Five Cents

Weight: 5 grams

Edge: Plain

Designer: James Earle Fraser

Diameter: 21.2 millimeters