Numismatic

1937-S Buffalo Nickel MS-64 PCGS

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The 1937 Buffalo nickel represents a classic era of American coinage, showcasing a design that captures the spirit of the American West. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this particular five-cent piece carries the distinctive "S" mint mark on its reverse side. Preserved in a certified Mint State 65 (MS-64) condition, the coin offers a remarkably clear look at the artistry of James Earle Fraser. On the obverse, Fraser presents a powerful portrait of a Native American chief, facing right. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed along the upper right rim, with the year 1937 clearly visible at the base of the neck. The design is celebrated for its rugged realism and departure from traditional, idealized allegorical figures. The reverse of the coin features an American bison standing atop a raised mound. Inscribed above the animal is "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" alongside the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Below the mound, the denomination "FIVE CENTS" is displayed, with the San Francisco "S" mint mark positioned just underneath, completing a design that remains one of the most recognizable in United States numismatic history.