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Comprehensive Guide To The 1937 Buffalo Nickel

butchkaliva December 28, 2024

What is the significance of the Buffalo Nickel 1937?

The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a five-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.

The Buffalo Nickel was first issued in 1913 to replace the Liberty Head Nickel. It was an immediate success with the public and quickly became one of the most popular coins in circulation. The coin was struck in large quantities until 1938 when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel.

The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a popular coin with collectors today. It is a well-made coin with a beautiful design. The coin is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.

Here are some of the benefits of collecting Buffalo Nickels:

They are a beautiful and well-made coin.
They are a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.
They are a popular coin with collectors today, so they can be a good investment.

If you are interested in collecting Buffalo Nickels, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The condition of the coin is important. The better the condition, the more valuable the coin will be.
The date of the coin is also important. Some dates are more rare than others, so they will be more valuable.
The mint mark is also important. Coins minted at different mints can have different values.

With a little research, you can learn more about Buffalo Nickels and how to collect them. They are a beautiful and interesting coin that can be a great addition to any collection.

Buffalo Nickel 1937

Obverse: Native American
Reverse: Bison
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Minted: 1913-1938
Composition: Nickel
Value: 5 cents
Rarity: Common

1. Obverse

The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel 1937 features a Native American, specifically a Lakota Sioux chief named Iron Tail. This design was chosen to represent the Native American culture and heritage of the United States. The Native American is depicted in profile, wearing a headdress and eagle feathers. The design is simple but striking, and it has become one of the most iconic images in American coinage.

Symbol of Native American Culture: The Native American on the Buffalo Nickel is a powerful symbol of Native American culture and heritage. It is a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Native American people, and it serves as a tribute to their contributions to American society.
Artistic Merit: The design of the Native American on the Buffalo Nickel is also notable for its artistic merit. The image is simple but elegant, and it captures the dignity and strength of the Native American people. The design is also a testament to the skill of James Earle Fraser, the sculptor who created it.
Historical Significance: The Buffalo Nickel was first issued in 1913, just a few years after the end of the Indian Wars. The coin was a way to commemorate the Native American people and their role in American history. The coin also served as a reminder of the importance of protecting Native American rights and culture.
Collector Interest: The Buffalo Nickel is a popular coin with collectors today. The coin is well-made and has a beautiful design. The coin is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.

The Native American on the Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a powerful symbol of Native American culture and heritage. The coin is a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Native American people, and it serves as a tribute to their contributions to American society.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the Buffalo Nickel 1937 features a bison, commonly known as a buffalo. This design was chosen to represent the American bison, which was once a symbol of the American West. The bison is depicted standing on a mound of earth, with its head turned to the left. The design is simple but powerful, and it has become one of the most iconic images in American coinage.

Symbol of the American West: The bison on the Buffalo Nickel is a powerful symbol of the American West. The bison was once a common sight on the Great Plains, and it played an important role in the lives of Native Americans. The bison provided food, clothing, and shelter for the Native Americans, and it was also a source of spiritual significance.
Artistic Merit: The design of the bison on the Buffalo Nickel is also notable for its artistic merit. The image is simple but elegant, and it captures the strength and majesty of the bison. The design is also a testament to the skill of James Earle Fraser, the sculptor who created it.
Historical Significance: The Buffalo Nickel was first issued in 1913, just a few years after the bison had been nearly hunted to extinction. The coin was a way to commemorate the bison and its role in American history. The coin also served as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife.
Collector Interest: The Buffalo Nickel is a popular coin with collectors today. The coin is well-made and has a beautiful design. The coin is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.

The bison on the Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a powerful symbol of the American West. The coin is a reminder of the rich history and culture of the American West, and it serves as a tribute to the bison, an animal that played an important role in the development of the United States.

3. Designer

James Earle Fraser was a prominent American sculptor and medalist. He is best known for his design of the Buffalo Nickel, which was issued by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938.

Artistic Style: Fraser was known for his realistic and naturalistic style. He often depicted Native Americans and animals in his work. His design for the Buffalo Nickel is a perfect example of his artistic style. The Native American on the obverse is depicted in profile, with a stoic expression. The bison on the reverse is depicted standing on a mound of earth, with its head turned to the left. Both figures are rendered in a realistic and detailed manner.
Historical Significance: The Buffalo Nickel was the first coin to feature a Native American on the obverse. This was a significant event, as it helped to raise awareness of Native American culture and history. The coin also served as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife.
Legacy: Fraser's design for the Buffalo Nickel is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. The coin is still popular with collectors today. Fraser's work has also been featured on other coins and medals, including the Oregon Trail Memorial half dollar and the Booker T. Washington commemorative half dollar.

James Earle Fraser was a talented sculptor and medalist. His design for the Buffalo Nickel is a masterpiece of American coinage. The coin is a beautiful and enduring reminder of Fraser's artistic talent and his commitment to social justice.

4. Minted

The Buffalo Nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938. The "buffalo nickle 1937" is a specific coin that was minted in 1937. This means that the "Minted: 1913-1938" is an important component of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us when the coin was produced.

The "Minted: 1913-1938" is also important because it tells us something about the history of the Buffalo Nickel. The Buffalo Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser and was first issued in 1913. The coin was popular with the public and was minted for 25 years. However, the coin was eventually replaced by the Jefferson Nickel in 1938.

Knowing when a coin was minted can be important for collectors. Collectors often look for coins that were minted in a specific year or during a specific period of time. The "Minted: 1913-1938" can help collectors identify and value their coins.

5. Composition

The "Composition: Nickel" is an important aspect of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us what the coin is made of. This information is important for a number of reasons.

Durability: Nickel is a strong and durable metal, which is why it is often used in coinage. The "Composition: Nickel" means that the "buffalo nickle 1937" is likely to be well-preserved and in good condition.
Value: The "Composition: Nickel" can also affect the value of the coin. Nickel is a relatively inexpensive metal, so the "buffalo nickle 1937" is not as valuable as some other coins that are made of gold or silver.
History: The "Composition: Nickel" can also tell us something about the history of the coin. The "buffalo nickle 1937" was minted during a time when nickel was a popular metal for coinage. This is because nickel is a strong and durable metal that is also relatively inexpensive.

Overall, the "Composition: Nickel" is an important aspect of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us about the coin's durability, value, and history.

6. Value

The "Value: 5 cents" is an important aspect of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us the coin's face value. This information is important for a number of reasons.

First, the "Value: 5 cents" tells us how much the coin was worth when it was minted. This information can be useful for collectors who are trying to determine the value of their coins. Second, the "Value: 5 cents" can also tell us something about the history of the coin. The "buffalo nickle 1937" was minted during a time when the nickel was worth five cents. This is because the nickel was a valuable metal at the time and was used in a variety of coins.

Today, the "buffalo nickle 1937" is worth more than 5 cents due to its age and rarity. However, the "Value: 5 cents" is still an important part of the coin's history and can help us to understand its value.

7. Rarity

The "Rarity: Common" is an important aspect of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us how rare the coin is. This information is important for a number of reasons.

First, the "Rarity: Common" can affect the value of the coin. Rare coins are more valuable than common coins. This is because rare coins are more difficult to find and are therefore more desirable to collectors. The "buffalo nickle 1937" is a common coin, so it is not as valuable as some other coins that are more rare.

Second, the "Rarity: Common" can also tell us something about the history of the coin. The "buffalo nickle 1937" was minted in large quantities, which is why it is so common. This tells us that the "buffalo nickle 1937" was a popular coin at the time.

Overall, the "Rarity: Common" is an important aspect of the "buffalo nickle 1937" because it tells us about the coin's value and history.

FAQs about the Buffalo Nickel 1937

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Buffalo Nickel 1937:

Question 1: What is the Buffalo Nickel 1937?

Answer: The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a five-cent piece struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.

Question 2: Why is the Buffalo Nickel 1937 so popular with collectors?

Answer: The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is popular with collectors for a number of reasons. It is a well-made coin with a beautiful design. It is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.

Question 3: How much is a Buffalo Nickel 1937 worth?

Answer: The value of a Buffalo Nickel 1937 can vary depending on a number of factors, including the condition of the coin and the rarity of the date. However, most Buffalo Nickels 1937 are worth between $1 and $5.

Question 4: Where can I buy a Buffalo Nickel 1937?

Answer: Buffalo Nickels 1937 can be purchased from a variety of sources, including coin dealers, online retailers, and auction houses.

Question 5: How can I tell if a Buffalo Nickel 1937 is real?

Answer: There are a few ways to tell if a Buffalo Nickel 1937 is real. First, the coin should be made of nickel. Second, the coin should have a raised rim around the edge. Third, the coin should have a matte finish.

We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions about the Buffalo Nickel 1937, please feel free to contact us.

Summary

The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a popular coin with collectors. It is a well-made coin with a beautiful design. The coin is also a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored.

Next steps

If you are interested in collecting Buffalo Nickels, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, you can learn more about the coin by reading books and articles about it. Second, you can start looking for Buffalo Nickels at coin shows and antique stores. Finally, you can join a coin club to meet other collectors and learn more about the hobby.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a beautiful and historic coin that is popular with collectors today. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser and was first issued in 1913. The coin features a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. The Buffalo Nickel 1937 was minted for 25 years and was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel in 1938.

The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a reminder of a time when the United States was a young country and the West was still being explored. The coin is also a symbol of the Native American culture and heritage. The Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a valuable coin that is a great addition to any collection.