1937 (S) Buffalo Nickel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$29,900 MS68 09-27-2007 Heritage Auctions

Description

Part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series, the 1937 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel from the San Francisco Mint. With a mintage of 5.6 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only 5% of total production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. The 1937-D "Three-Legged Buffalo" error, caused by excessive die polishing, is one of the most iconic U.S. coin errors. Also the final year of the series. The San Francisco Mint, a Gold Rush-era institution, now specializes in proof and collector coinage. Estimated market value ranges from $2 to $52 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3983.