1937 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel: A Timeless Classic

What is an Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937?

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American chief 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 United States Mint.

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a popular coin among collectors and is often used in jewelry. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

Importance and Benefits of Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is an important coin for several reasons. First, it is a beautiful coin that is considered a work of art. Second, it is a valuable coin that can be worth a lot of money. Third, it is a historical coin that commemorates the Native American heritage of the United States.

Historical Context of Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 was designed at a time when the United States was struggling to come to terms with its treatment of Native Americans. The coin was intended to be a symbol of reconciliation and to honor the Native American heritage of the country.

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 today

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is still a popular coin today. It is collected by people all over the world and is often used in jewelry. The coin is also a valuable investment, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a United States five-cent coin that was struck from 1913 to 1938. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint.

• Obverse: Features a Native American chief
• Reverse: Features a bison
• Designer: James Earle Fraser
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Weight: 5 grams
• Diameter: 21.21 millimeters
• Mintage: 1,199,792,680

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a popular coin among collectors and is often used in jewelry. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

The coin is a reminder of the Native American heritage of the United States and is a symbol of the country's history.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 features a Native American chief. This design was chosen to honor the Native American heritage of the United States.

• Symbolism: The Native American chief is a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom. He is also a reminder of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the land that is now the United States.
• Design: The Native American chief was designed by James Earle Fraser. Fraser was a renowned sculptor who was known for his realistic and detailed work. The chief on the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is one of his most famous works.
• Controversy: The design of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 was controversial when it was first released. Some people felt that the chief was too stereotypical and that he did not represent the diversity of Native American tribes. However, the design has since become iconic and is now considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint.

The Native American chief on the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a reminder of the Native American heritage of the United States. He is a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 features a bison. This design was chosen to honor the bison, which was an important animal to Native Americans and a symbol of the American West.

• Symbolism: The bison is a symbol of strength, power, and abundance. It is also a reminder of the important role that bison played in the lives of Native Americans. Bison provided food, clothing, and shelter for Native Americans, and they were also used in religious ceremonies.
• Design: The bison on the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 was designed by James Earle Fraser. Fraser was a renowned sculptor who was known for his realistic and detailed work. The bison on the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is one of his most famous works.
• Historical context: The bison was once a common sight on the Great Plains of North America. However, by the late 19th century, bison populations had been decimated by hunting. The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 was a way to commemorate the bison and to raise awareness of the importance of conservation.
• Legacy: The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a reminder of the important role that bison played in the history of the United States. It is also a beautiful coin that is considered to be one of the most iconic coins ever produced by the United States Mint.

The bison on the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a symbol of strength, power, and abundance. It is also a reminder of the important role that bison played in the lives of Native Americans and in the history of the United States.

3. Designer

James Earle Fraser was a renowned sculptor who was known for his realistic and detailed work. He was commissioned to design the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 by the United States Mint. Fraser's design was chosen because it was both beautiful and symbolic.

The obverse of the coin features a Native American chief. This design was chosen to honor the Native American heritage of the United States. The reverse of the coin features a bison. This design was chosen to honor the bison, which was an important animal to Native Americans and a symbol of the American West.

Fraser's design for the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. The coin is also a valuable investment, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a reminder of the important role that art plays in our lives. It is also a reminder of the Native American heritage of the United States and the importance of conservation.

4. Composition

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition gives the coin its distinctive color and. The copper gives the coin its reddish-brown color, while the nickel gives the coin its strength and durability.

• Durability: The nickel content of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 makes it more durable than coins that are made of copper alone. This is important because coins are subject to a lot of wear and tear. The nickel content of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 helps to protect the coin from damage.
• Color: The copper content of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 gives the coin its distinctive color. This color is often referred to as "buffalo brown." The color of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is one of the things that makes it so popular with collectors.
• Value: The nickel content of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 also contributes to its value. Nickel is a more valuable metal than copper. This means that the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is worth more than a coin that is made of copper alone.

The composition of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is an important factor in its durability, color, and value. The coin's unique composition is one of the things that makes it so popular with collectors.

5. Weight

The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is 5 grams. This is a relatively light weight for a coin, but it is consistent with the weight of other five-cent coins of the era.

• Composition: The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is due in part to its composition. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Copper is a relatively heavy metal, while nickel is a relatively light metal. The combination of these two metals results in a coin that is relatively light weight.
• Size: The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is also due in part to its size. The coin has a diameter of 21.21 millimeters. This is a relatively small coin, and its small size contributes to its light weight.
• Durability: The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 contributes to its durability. A heavier coin is more resistant to wear and tear than a lighter coin. This is important because coins are subject to a lot of wear and tear. The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 helps to protect the coin from damage.
• Value: The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 also contributes to its value. A heavier coin is worth more than a lighter coin. This is because a heavier coin contains more metal. The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 contributes to its value as a collector's item.

The weight of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is an important factor in its composition, size, durability, and value. The coin's weight is consistent with other five-cent coins of the era, and it contributes to the coin's overall desirability.

6. Diameter

The diameter of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is 21.21 millimeters. This is a relatively small diameter for a coin, but it is consistent with the diameter of other five-cent coins of the era.

The diameter of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is important for several reasons. First, it determines the size of the coin. A smaller diameter coin is easier to carry and store than a larger diameter coin. Second, the diameter of the coin affects its weight. A smaller diameter coin weighs less than a larger diameter coin. Third, the diameter of the coin affects its design. A smaller diameter coin has less space for design elements than a larger diameter coin.

The diameter of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a key part of the coin's overall design. The coin's small diameter gives it a distinctive look and feel. The diameter of the coin also contributes to the coin's durability and value.

7. Mintage

The mintage of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 was 1,199,792,680. This means that 1,199,792,680 Indian Head Buffalo Nickels were struck in 1937. This was a relatively high mintage for a five-cent coin, indicating that the coin was popular and in demand.

The high mintage of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is significant for several reasons. First, it indicates that the coin was widely used in circulation. Second, it means that there are a large number of Indian Head Buffalo Nickels 1937 available to collectors today. Third, it contributes to the coin's value. Coins with a lower mintage are generally more valuable than coins with a higher mintage.

The mintage of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is an important factor in its popularity, availability, and value. The coin's high mintage makes it a popular and affordable coin for collectors.

FAQs on Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is the significance of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937?

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 holds historical and cultural significance. It commemorates the Native American heritage of the United States and symbolizes the importance of bison in the American West.

Question 2: Why was the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel discontinued?

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel was discontinued in 1938 due to the rising cost of nickel. The composition was changed to a less expensive alloy, resulting in the Jefferson Nickel.

Question 3: How much is an Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 worth?

The value of an Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 varies depending on its condition and rarity. Common examples are worth a few dollars, while rare or well-preserved specimens can fetch significantly higher prices.

Question 4: What are the identifying characteristics of the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937?

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 features the likeness of a Native American chief on the obverse and a bison on the reverse. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color due to its composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Question 5: Where can I find more information about the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937?

There are numerous resources available for further exploration, including reputable numismatic websites, reference books, and museums with coin collections.

In conclusion, the Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 is a treasured piece of American history and a testament to the nation's rich heritage. Its unique design, historical significance, and collectible value continue to fascinate and intrigue enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Stay tuned for further exploration of this iconic coin and other fascinating topics.

Conclusion

The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 stands as a testament to American history, artistry, and cultural heritage. Its unique design, capturing the spirit of the Native American and the American West, has made it an iconic symbol of the nation's past.

In exploring the significance of this coin, we have delved into its origins, design elements, composition, and collectible value. The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of American history and the importance of preserving our cultural legacy.

As we conclude our exploration, we encourage numismatic enthusiasts and history buffs to continue their journey into the world of coin collecting and historical preservation. The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel 1937 remains a treasured artifact, inviting further research, appreciation, and admiration for its timeless beauty and enduring legacy.