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1937-S

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 5,635,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1332

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco's 1937 Buffalo nickel mintage was 5,635,000 coins, a moderate figure that places the 1937-S in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is available in circulated grades and accessible in Mint State through specialist channels at modest premiums. Strike characteristics are generally strong for 1937 San Francisco production.

Collectors building complete Buffalo nickel sets acquire the 1937-S without extraordinary difficulty. The coin is typical of mid-late 1930s San Francisco production. Gem-quality examples are available at modest premiums over common-date baselines, making the 1937-S accessible to high-grade specialists.

The 1937-S was one of the final San Francisco Buffalo nickels struck before the design was replaced in 1938 by the Jefferson nickel (though a 1938-D Buffalo nickel was still produced at Denver in the final year). The coin represents the closing of San Francisco's contribution to the Buffalo series after twenty-five years of production spanning the Type 1, Type 2, and mature design sub-types.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $1 $1
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $1.50 $1.50
F-12 Fine (F) $1.50 $1.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $2.50 $2.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $4.50 $5.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $7 $8.50
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $25 $29
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $44 $47
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1937-S Buffalo Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $1, rising to roughly $25–$29 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1937-S Buffalo Nickels were minted?
5,635,000 were struck.
What is a 1937-S Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1937-S Buffalo Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1937-S Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.