-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 55224
Checkout
The Certified Buffalo Nickel 1937-S MS65 PCGS represents the final full-year production from the San Francisco Mint for one of America’s most beloved and artistically admired coin series. Commonly known as the Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, this five-cent piece was first introduced in 1913 and struck through 1938. It replaced the Liberty Head "V" Nickel and was the result of a push for more distinctive and culturally representative designs on U.S. coinage. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel honored both the Indigenous peoples of North America and the western frontier, encapsulating a spirit of rugged American identity. The 1937-S issue holds significance not only as part of the series’ final stretch but also for its role in a transitional period in American coin production as the U.S. Mint prepared to introduce the Jefferson Nickel the following year.
The obverse of the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel features a powerful and stoic profile of a Native American man, facing right. This portrait was composed using a blend of features from several Native American tribal members rather than a single model, capturing a composite of cultural and physical characteristics meant to represent dignity and resilience. Prominently inscribed along the upper rim is the word “LIBERTY,” while the date “1937” is neatly carved into the shoulder area of the portrait. The level of detail on the headdress, cheekbone, and hairlines is striking, and on a Mint State 65 example, these features remain exceptionally sharp and well-defined. Fraser's design broke away from the conventions of previous coinage by choosing a more expressive and distinctly American subject, which has contributed to the Buffalo Nickel's enduring popularity among collectors.
The reverse side showcases an American bison—commonly referred to as a buffalo—standing atop a naturalistic mound. Modeled after Black Diamond, a bison at the Central Park Zoo, the animal is rendered in a slightly hunched, forward-looking pose that exudes strength and raw presence. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appear above the buffalo, while the denomination “FIVE CENTS” is located beneath the mound. The “S” mintmark is found just below the denomination, indicating that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. While early versions of the Buffalo Nickel featured a raised mound, the design was modified in 1913 to include a flat ground to reduce wear, which proved effective in preserving detail in circulation and in Mint State specimens like this 1937-S example.
The San Francisco Mint, known for its lower production volumes and distinctive mintmark, produced 5,635,000 Buffalo Nickels in 1937. This number was relatively modest compared to the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, making S-mint Buffalo Nickels from the late 1930s more appealing to collectors seeking lower-mintage coins. As one of the final issues from the San Francisco facility, the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel is often included in complete type sets or specialized mintmark collections. Despite being a later issue in the series, the coin maintains a strong following due to the enduring appeal of the design, the relatively low mintage, and the high quality of many surviving examples.
The 1937-S is especially well-regarded in Mint State condition because of the generally strong strikes and sharp detail achieved by the San Francisco Mint in that year. Many coins exhibit clear delineation in the hair above Liberty’s brow, full feather detail on the headdress, and exceptional clarity in the bison’s fur and horn structure. The horn on the buffalo—a commonly worn area in circulated coins—is typically complete on Mint State pieces, and in the MS65 grade, it is well-defined with minimal flattening. Collectors who value sharp relief and original mint luster often seek out 1937-S examples due to the overall production quality and aesthetic appeal.
This particular example, certified MS65 by PCGS, is graded at the gem level on the Sheldon scale. MS65 coins are characterized by strong luster, a clean strike, and minimal detracting marks. While small contact marks may be visible under magnification, they are minor and do not impact the coin’s eye appeal. A PCGS-graded MS65 coin typically exhibits vibrant surface brilliance and excellent preservation of both obverse and reverse design elements. On this 1937-S piece, one can expect strong cartwheel luster across both sides and a pleasing, often frosty or satiny finish that enhances the boldness of the imagery. The surfaces remain mostly free from significant abrasions, and toning, if present, is usually light and attractive, often taking on golden, peach, or iridescent hues.
PCGS certification ensures the coin's authenticity and grade, providing confidence to collectors and investors alike. The encapsulation in a tamper-evident holder protects the coin from environmental damage while maintaining its long-term integrity. The presence of the PCGS label with the assigned grade also increases the coin’s liquidity and desirability within the numismatic community. For collectors participating in PCGS registry sets, an MS65 1937-S Buffalo Nickel represents a significant addition, offering both quality and pedigree. The stability of the grade and the protection provided by the holder make the coin ideal for both display and investment purposes.
The Buffalo Nickel series remains a cornerstone of 20th-century American coinage, not only for its stunning design but also for its historical resonance. Coins like the 1937-S capture the end of an era just before America entered World War II and underwent rapid technological and cultural transformation. The coin reflects a period when craftsmanship and symbolism were paramount in coin design. It also marks the conclusion of one of the most artistically ambitious coin series produced by the U.S. Mint. As a final-year issue from San Francisco, the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel encapsulates a moment of closure for a beloved series while maintaining its status as a timeless piece of Americana.
For collectors seeking a balance of artistic design, historical value, and pristine condition, the Certified Buffalo Nickel 1937-S MS65 PCGS is a top-tier choice. The combination of sharp strike, full design detail, brilliant luster, and low mintage from a prestigious mint ensures that this coin will always hold a place of significance in numismatic collections. Its PCGS certification further adds a layer of confidence and security, making it an ideal piece for long-term preservation. As the Buffalo Nickel continues to be celebrated for its contribution to American coin design, the 1937-S MS65 stands as one of its most accessible and rewarding examples in high-grade condition.