1937-P Buffalo Nickel — Good
Designed by James Earle Fraser | Philadelphia Mint Issue
Add a staple of classic American numismatics to your collection with this 1937 Buffalo Nickel from the Philadelphia Mint. Featuring one of the most celebrated and iconic designs in U.S. mint history, this piece represents a wonderful entry-level circulated coin for collectors of vintage twentieth-century coinage.
Mintage & Specifications
-
Issuing Mint: Philadelphia ("P" / No Mint Mark)
-
Mintage Figure: 79,485,769 pieces
-
Designer: James Earle Fraser
-
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
-
Diameter: 21.21 mm
-
Weight: 5.0 grams
-
Grade Condition: Good (G) — Exhibits heavy, even circulation wear. Major design elements are clearly outlined, though finer details (such as the Indian's hair braid or the bison's horn and facial features) are worn smooth or blending into the field. The date and "LIBERTY" remain readable, which is typical for this grade tier.
Historical Context & Design
Introduced in 1913, James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel captures the rugged spirit of the American West. The obverse displays a powerful composite portrait of a Native American chief, while the reverse features a massive American bison (historically rumored to be "Black Diamond" from the Central Park Zoo) standing on a mound.
While the Philadelphia Mint struck a high volume of these coins in 1937, decades of circulation have left surviving mid-to-lower grade samples as beloved pieces of history. A "G" grade specimen makes an affordable and authentic tactile piece for type collectors, history buffs, or anyone building a complete date run of Buffalo Nickels.
