Indian Head Nickels: Uncovering The 1937 Rarity

What is an Indian Head Nickel 1937?

The Indian Head Nickel is a one-cent coin that was struck by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1937. The coin features a Native American chief on the obverse (heads) and a buffalo on the reverse (tails). The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is the last year that this design was used on the nickel.

The Indian Head Nickel was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Longacre based the design of the Native American chief on a plaster model of a Seneca chief named John Big Tree. The buffalo on the reverse of the coin is based on a drawing by Alfred Jacob Miller.

The Indian Head Nickel was a popular coin during its time. It was often used in vending machines and was also a favorite of children. The coin was discontinued in 1938 when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel.

Today, the Indian Head Nickel is a popular collector's item. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the series, due to its low mintage of just over 5 million coins.

Indian Head Nickel 1937

The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a one-cent coin that was struck by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1937. The coin features a Native American chief on the obverse (heads) and a buffalo on the reverse (tails). The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is the last year that this design was used on the nickel.

• Obverse: Native American chief
• Reverse: Buffalo
• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Mintage: 5,012,000
• Composition: Copper-nickel
• Weight: 5 grams
• Diameter: 21.21 millimeters
• Value: $1.00 to $10.00 depending on condition

The Indian Head Nickel was a popular coin during its time. It was often used in vending machines and was also a favorite of children. The coin was discontinued in 1938 when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. Today, the Indian Head Nickel is a popular collector's item. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the series, due to its low mintage of just over 5 million coins.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 features a Native American chief. This design was chosen by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, who based it on a plaster model of a Seneca chief named John Big Tree. The Native American chief on the Indian Head Nickel is a symbol of the American frontier and the country's westward expansion. It is also a reminder of the Native Americans who were displaced by European settlers.

The Native American chief on the Indian Head Nickel is one of the most iconic images in American coinage. It is a symbol of the country's history and culture. The coin is also a popular collector's item, and the 1937 Indian Head Nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the series.

The Indian Head Nickel was discontinued in 1938 and replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. However, the Native American chief design remains one of the most popular and recognizable coin designs in American history.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 features a buffalo. This design was chosen by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, who based it on a drawing by Alfred Jacob Miller. The buffalo on the Indian Head Nickel is a symbol of the American frontier and the country's westward expansion. It is also a reminder of the importance of the buffalo to Native Americans, who relied on the animal for food, clothing, and shelter.

The buffalo on the Indian Head Nickel is one of the most iconic images in American coinage. It is a symbol of the country's history and culture. The coin is also a popular collector's item, and the 1937 Indian Head Nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the series.

The Indian Head Nickel was discontinued in 1938 and replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. However, the buffalo design remains one of the most popular and recognizable coin designs in American history.

3. Designer

James B. Longacre was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 to 1869. He was responsible for designing many of the most iconic coins in American history, including the Indian Head Nickel.

Longacre's design for the Indian Head Nickel was chosen in 1859. The coin features a Native American chief on the obverse (heads) and a buffalo on the reverse (tails). The design was inspired by Longacre's travels to the American frontier, where he witnessed the displacement of Native Americans and the westward expansion of the United States.

The Indian Head Nickel was a popular coin during its time. It was often used in vending machines and was also a favorite of children. The coin was discontinued in 1938 when it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. However, the Indian Head Nickel remains one of the most popular and recognizable coins in American history.

Longacre's design for the Indian Head Nickel is a masterpiece of American coinage. It is a symbol of the country's history, culture, and westward expansion. The coin is also a reminder of the importance of Native Americans to the development of the United States.

4. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that are produced in a particular year. The mintage of the 1937 Indian Head Nickel was 5,012,000. This means that only 5,012,000 of these coins were produced in 1937.

• Rarity: The mintage of a coin can have a significant impact on its rarity. Coins with a lower mintage are generally more rare and valuable than coins with a higher mintage. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel has a relatively low mintage, which makes it a more valuable coin than some other Indian Head Nickels.
• Value: The mintage of a coin can also affect its value. Coins with a lower mintage are often worth more than coins with a higher mintage. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is worth more than some other Indian Head Nickels due to its low mintage.
• Collectibility: Coins with a low mintage are often more popular with collectors. This is because they are more rare and valuable. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is a popular collector's item due to its low mintage.

The mintage of the 1937 Indian Head Nickel is an important factor that affects its rarity, value, and collectibility. This coin is a valuable and popular collector's item due to its low mintage.

5. Composition

The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is composed of copper and nickel. This composition gives the coin its distinctive color and durability. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so the addition of nickel helps to harden the coin and make it more resistant to wear and tear. This is important for a coin that is intended to circulate widely.

The composition of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 also affects its value. Copper and nickel are both relatively inexpensive metals, so the coin is not particularly valuable in terms of its metal content. However, the coin's historical significance and its low mintage make it a valuable collector's item.

The composition of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is an important factor to consider when evaluating the coin's value and collectibility. The coin's copper-nickel composition gives it its distinctive color and durability, and it also affects the coin's value.

6. Weight

The weight of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is 5 grams. This weight is significant for several reasons.

• Composition: The weight of the coin is indicative of its composition. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is composed of copper and nickel. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so the addition of nickel helps to harden the coin and make it more resistant to wear and tear. The weight of the coin is consistent with this composition.
• Durability: The weight of the coin also contributes to its durability. A heavier coin is less likely to be damaged or bent than a lighter coin. This is important for a coin that is intended to circulate widely.
• Value: The weight of the coin can also affect its value. Coins that are made of heavier metals are often worth more than coins that are made of lighter metals. This is because heavier metals are more valuable in terms of their raw material content.
• Collectibility: The weight of the coin can also affect its collectibility. Collectors often prefer coins that are heavier, as they are seen as being more substantial and valuable.

The weight of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is an important factor to consider when evaluating the coin's composition, durability, value, and collectibility. The coin's weight of 5 grams is consistent with its copper-nickel composition and contributes to its durability and value.

7. Diameter

The diameter of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is 21.21 millimeters. This measurement is significant for several reasons.

• Size and weight: The diameter of the coin is related to its size and weight. A coin with a larger diameter will typically be larger and heavier than a coin with a smaller diameter. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a relatively small coin, which makes it easy to carry and use.
• Durability: The diameter of the coin can also affect its durability. A coin with a larger diameter will be more resistant to bending and damage than a coin with a smaller diameter. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a durable coin, which is why it has survived in such large numbers.
• Value: The diameter of the coin can also affect its value. Coins with a larger diameter are often worth more than coins with a smaller diameter. This is because larger coins are more difficult to produce and require more metal. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a valuable coin, due in part to its large diameter.
• Collectibility: The diameter of the coin can also affect its collectibility. Collectors often prefer coins with a larger diameter, as they are seen as being more substantial and valuable. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a popular collector's item, due in part to its large diameter.

The diameter of the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is an important factor to consider when evaluating the coin's size, weight, durability, value, and collectibility. The coin's diameter of 21.21 millimeters makes it a valuable and popular collector's item.

8. Value

The value of an Indian Head Nickel 1937 can vary depending on its condition. Coins that are in good condition are worth more than coins that are in poor condition. This is because collectors are willing to pay more for coins that are well-preserved and have a high eye appeal.

There are a few factors that can affect the condition of an Indian Head Nickel 1937. These factors include:

• Wear and tear: Coins that have been circulated for a long time will show signs of wear and tear. This can include scratches, dents, and other damage.
• Environmental damage: Coins that have been exposed to the elements can also be damaged. This can include rust, corrosion, and other types of damage.
• Cleaning: Coins that have been cleaned can also be damaged. This is because cleaning can remove the coin's original patina, which can reduce its value.

When grading an Indian Head Nickel 1937, collectors will look at the coin's overall condition. They will also look at the coin's strike, which is the quality of the coin's design. Coins that have a strong strike are worth more than coins that have a weak strike.

The value of an Indian Head Nickel 1937 can also be affected by its rarity. Coins that are rare are worth more than coins that are common. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is a relatively rare coin, which is why it is worth more than some other Indian Head Nickels.

Overall, the value of an Indian Head Nickel 1937 depends on a number of factors, including its condition, rarity, and strike. Coins that are in good condition, are rare, and have a strong strike are worth more than coins that are in poor condition, are common, and have a weak strike.

FAQs about Indian Head Nickel 1937

The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a popular coin with collectors. Here are some frequently asked questions about this coin:

Question 1: What is the value of an Indian Head Nickel 1937?

Answer: The value of an Indian Head Nickel 1937 can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and strike. Coins that are in good condition, are rare, and have a strong strike are worth more than coins that are in poor condition, are common, and have a weak strike. In general, an Indian Head Nickel 1937 is worth between $1.00 and $10.00.

Question 2: Why is the Indian Head Nickel 1937 valuable?

Answer: The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is valuable for several reasons. First, it is a relatively rare coin. Only 5,012,000 of these coins were minted in 1937. Second, the Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a well-preserved coin. Many of these coins have survived in good condition, which makes them valuable to collectors.

Question 3: How can I tell if my Indian Head Nickel 1937 is valuable?

Answer: There are a few things you can look for to determine if your Indian Head Nickel 1937 is valuable. First, check the coin's condition. Coins that are in good condition are worth more than coins that are in poor condition. Second, check the coin's rarity. The 1937 Indian Head Nickel is a relatively rare coin, which makes it more valuable than some other Indian Head Nickels. Third, check the coin's strike. Coins that have a strong strike are worth more than coins that have a weak strike.

Question 4: Where can I buy or sell an Indian Head Nickel 1937?

Answer: Indian Head Nickels 1937 can be bought and sold at coin shops, online auction sites, and coin shows. When buying or selling an Indian Head Nickel 1937, it is important to do your research and to deal with a reputable dealer.

Question 5: What are some other interesting facts about the Indian Head Nickel 1937?

Answer: The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is the last year that this design was used on the nickel. The coin was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is composed of copper and nickel. The coin weighs 5 grams and has a diameter of 21.21 millimeters.

Summary: The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a popular coin with collectors. The coin is valuable due to its rarity, condition, and strike. Indian Head Nickels 1937 can be bought and sold at coin shops, online auction sites, and coin shows.

Transition to the next article section: For more information about the Indian Head Nickel 1937, please visit the following resources:

• PCGS CoinFacts: Indian Head Nickel
• NGC Coin Price Guide: Indian Head Nickel
• Numista: Indian Head Nickel

Conclusion

The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a fascinating coin with a rich history. It is a valuable and popular collector's item, and it is also a reminder of the country's westward expansion and the importance of Native Americans to the development of the United States.

The Indian Head Nickel 1937 is a reminder of the country's past, and it is also a symbol of the country's future. It is a coin that is both beautiful and valuable, and it is a coin that is sure to be treasured for generations to come.