1937 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1937 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, representing the penultimate year of James Earle Fraser's iconic design. Collectors prize this copper-nickel alloy coin for its striking composite portrait of three Native American chiefs and its rugged depiction of an American bison.

What Is 1937 Buffalo Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1937 Buffalo Nickel is $1 - $5 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall condition and wear, particularly on the bison's horn and the Native American's hair detail.
• Presence of a mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) which can influence rarity.
• Luster and surface preservation, as coins in higher grades command the top of the $1-$5 range.
• Strike quality, specifically the clarity of the date and the 'LIBERTY' inscription.

How to Identify 1937 Buffalo Nickel?

• Look for the '1937' date clearly struck on the lower left of the Native American's neck.
• Verify the composite portrait of chiefs Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons on the obverse.
• Check the reverse for an American bison standing on a flat ground line, a design update from earlier versions.
• Ensure the coin is composed of the standard copper-nickel alloy used by the US Mint.

History of 1937 Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it aimed to depict subjects indigenous to America. The obverse features a composite portrait of three real Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons. The reverse originally depicted an American bison standing on a mound, which was later changed to a flatter ground line due to wear issues. It remains one of the most beloved and distinctly American coin designs.