NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 3980 Coin Date: 1937 Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Desg: MS Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Mintage: 79,480,000 Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Buffalo nickel Coinage Years: 1913-1938 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 21.2 Weight (Grams): 5 Weight (Ounces): 0.1608 Designer: James Earle Fraser Edge: Plain Obverse Description: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust. Reverse Description: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface. General Notes: The 1937 Buffalo nickel is the last issue from the series struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Tens of thousands exist in circulated condition and plenty are available in uncirculated grades to satisfy much of the collector demand for such pieces. Experts believe more than 15,000 are available in a grade of MS65 or better. Strike and color isn’t a problem for this piece, which has a couple dozen certified examples bearing MS68 grades in PCGS and NGC plastic. PCGS #: 3980 NGC ID: 22SV