1937-P 5 Cents Buffalo Nickel NGC/PCGS MS66

The Philadelphia Mint’s Last-Ever Buffalo Nickel

Though the Buffalo Nickel series lasted until 1938, its final year of production at the “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia occurred in 1937. Today, its classic design is as iconic as ever – a real Native American chief on the obverse and the instantly recognizable image of an American bison taking up nearly the entirety of the reverse. Though these coins circulated heavily in commerce, we were able to secure a number of these final “P” Buffalo Nickels certified by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as being in Gem Uncirculated Mint State-66 (MS66) condition.

Created by famed American sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel and its celebrated designs circulated from 1913 to 1938. The coin was popular throughout its run, no doubt due to the fact that its designs were uniquely and unequivocally American. The Indian depicted on the coin is a dead ringer for Oglala Lakota Chief Iron Tail – though Fraser claimed it was a composite of three men in order to protect both the Chief’s privacy and his own artistic license. The American bison on the reverse was directly related to the obverse design as buffalos were an important symbol for many Native Americans. The buffalo was modeled after Black Diamond, a large American bison then on display at the Bronx Zoo in New York City not far from Fraser’s studio.

By 1937, despite its magnificent design, the Buffalo Nickel was considered old-fashioned. Following the appearance of President Abraham Lincoln on the Lincoln Cent in 1909, a trend took hold that rather than using allegorical figures, American coins should showcase real Americans, hence the Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter and Franklin Half Dollar all debuted between 1932 and 1948. The designs have not gone quietly into the night, however. They now grace the U.S Mint’s annual $50 one-ounce gold bullion coin.

As the final Buffalo Nickel ever struck by the Philadelphia Mint, collectors eagerly seek out this important key-date coin. And when they find it in as nice a condition as this, they grab them as fast as they can. Look elsewhere and you’ll find these coins selling for as much as $113. Secure yours here and save! Grading service varies.

• TIMELESS CLASSIC – The coin’s design perfectly as created by sculptor James Earle Fraser exemplifies our nation’s heritage by capturing the history of the American pioneer spirit.

• THE LAST OF AN ICON – The Buffalo Nickel was struck from 1913-1938. The U.S. “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia struck it for the last time in 1937.

• FANTASTIC UNCIRCULATED CONDITION  – Your 1937-P Buffalo Nickel will come graded by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as being in Gem Uncirculated Mint State-66 (MS66) condition. Grading service varies.

The chance to own part of an era that tested and shaped the definition of the American spirit has never been easier. Click the last Buffalo Nickel from the Philadelphia Mint to your cart now before they disappear.