Whitman Expo
![Image for Buffalo Nickel 5c Brilliant Finish, 1936-1937 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/BuffPR.jpg?MaxHeight=640&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
Following a 20-year hiatus from striking proof coins, the US Mint resumed making proof coinage in 1936, and with a few wartime and economic crisis interruptions has continued the program to this day ever since. The tail end of the Buffalo nickel series happened to catch the beginning of this renaissance in proof coin production, and two types of proof Buffalo nickels were made during the series last two full years of production. The first of the 1936 proof Buffalo nickels were produced with a satin finish, quite similar in appearance to the earlier matte proofs made during the teens. In short order, the satin finish was replaced by a brilliant finish which proved popular with collectors. The remainder of the 1936 proofs and all 1937 proof Buffalo nickels exhibit the brilliant proof finish.
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.
Book Reference
Designer: James Earle Fraser. Weight: 5 grams. Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel. Diameter: 21.2 mm. Edge: Plain. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.
Key to Collecting: Circulated coins are readily available for common dates such as in the 1930’s. Mint State coins are also plentiful for most issues in the 1930’s. However, certain earlier date and mintmark varieties are scarce. Most varieties of the 1930’s are highly frosty and lustrous.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Most Variety 2 Buffalo nickels are poorly struck in one or more areas, and for many Denver and San Francisco issues of the 1920’s, the striking is miserable. However, enough sharp strikes exist among common dates of the 1930’s that one can be found with some patience.
Proof Coins: Matte Proofs of 1913 to 1916 are rare. As these are difficult to distinguish from circulation strikes, be careful when buying. Proofs of 1936 occur with a satiny surface and also with a mirror surface (in the relatively small amount of the open field available). Proofs of 1937 have mirror surface in the fields. The motifs of the 1936 and 1937 mirror Proofs are lightly polished in the die (not frosty or matte).
Catalog Information
GSID:
74213
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, [Date]
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Weight (gr):
5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
21.2
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Brilliant Finish
Variety 2:
1936-1937
Coin Date:
Buffalo Nickel
Denomination:
5c
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Send Catalog Feedback
To: editor@greysheet.com
Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for Buffalo Nickel 5c Brilliant Finish, 1936-1937 PR [Type]
Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/buffalo-nickel-five-cents-type-coin-proof-strike-brilliant-finish/gsid/74213 GSID: 74213 Title: Buffalo Nickel 5c Brilliant Finish, 1936-1937 PR [Type]
Subscribe to View
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
Buffalo Nickel 5c Brilliant Finish, 1936-1937 PR [Type]
Value By Grade
Buffalo Nickel 5c Brilliant Finish, 1936-1937 PR [Type]
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
GSID:74213
Shop related
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR69 |
|
$21,500 | $1,234 |
| PR69 | - | $19,000 | $1,234 |
| PR68 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR68 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, Matte Finish, 1913 PR [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, Matte Finish, 1913 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/ha_com_1316_3029-0.20200624004100369.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $650 – $90,000
1913 5c Buffalo, Matte Finish, Type 1 PR
Worth: $650 – $90,000
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, Matte Finish, 1913-1916 PR [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, Matte Finish, 1913-1916 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/408xxx/b38ed5b4-ab8a-41bd-befa-a7a0334ea03a.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $500 – $17,500
1913 5c Buffalo, Matte Finish, Type 2 PR
Worth: $550 – $17,500
1914 5c Matte Finish PR
Worth: $500 – $18,000
1915 5c Matte Finish PR
Worth: $600 – $225,000
1916 5c Matte Finish PR
Worth: $650 – $30,000
1927 5c Special Strike SP
Worth: $65,000 – $78,000
Buffalo Nickel 5c Satin Finish, 1936 PR [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Satin Finish, 1936 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/133xxx/378d7780-d431-4a0e-b08b-8178656221b7.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $600 – $6,000
1936 5c Satin Finish PR
Worth: $600 – $6,000
1936 5c Brilliant Finish PR
Worth: $625 – $8,000
1937 5c PR
Worth: $575 – $18,000
1937 5C PR67 PCGS. CDN: $1,380 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR67. Mintage 5,769. ...
$1,403
1937 5C PR66 PCGS. CDN: $1,080 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR66. Mintage 5,769. ...
$1,159
1937 5C PR68 NGC. ...
$8,235
1937 5C PR65 PCGS. CDN: $990 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR65. Mintage 5,769. ...
$990
1937 5C PR64 PCGS. CDN: $900 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR64. Mintage 5,769. ...
$1,050
1936 5C Type Two -- Brilliant Finish PR58 PCGS. PCGS Population: (3/1072 and 0/66+). Mintage 4,420. ...
$960
1937 5C PR63 NGC. CAC. NGC Census: (50/1570). PCGS Population: (81/2613). CDN: $760 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR63. Mintage 5...
$780
1937 5C PR62 PCGS. PCGS Population: (7/2570). NGC Census: (9/1536). CDN: $775 Whsle. Bid for problem-free NGC/PCGS PR62. Mi...
$780
Undated 5C Jefferson Nickel--Off Center on 45% Straight Clip Planchet--MS61 NGC. Ex: New England Collection. 2.8 Grams. ...
$161
1937 5C --Environmental Damage--NGC--Proof. ...
$978
1937 5C
$11,275
1937 5C PR67 PCGS. CDN: $1,380 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR67. Mintage 5,769. ...
$1,464
1936 5C Type Two -- Brilliant Finish PR66 PCGS. CDN: $1,380 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR66. Mintage 4,420. ...
$1,653
1937 5C PR68 NGC. ...
$3,172
1936 5C Type Two, Brilliant Finish, PR65 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 3.0 green label holder. CDN: $1,050 Whsle. Bid for N...
$1,140
1937 5C PR64 PCGS. CDN: $900 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR64. Mintage 5,769. ...
$960
1937 5C PR63 PCGS. PCGS Population: (76/2542 and 0/107+). NGC Census: (48/1499 and 0/24+). PR63. Mintage 5,769....
$600
1937 5C PR62 NGC. NGC Census: (10/10). PCGS Population (0/0)....
$793
1937 5C --Obverse Spot Removed--NCS. Proof. ...
$932
1937 5C PR67 PCGS. CDN: $1,380 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS PR67. Mintage 5,769. ...
$1,464
Greysheet News
Prominent Collector Dell Loy Hansen Submitting His Historical Collection Of U.S. Coins To CAC Grading
8/8/2024
American Numismatic Association's Largest Coin Show, August 6-10 In Chicago
Dazzling rarities, free educational opportunities, family fun and more await at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
7/25/2024
United States Mint Unveils Designs For The 2025 United States Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program
The designs will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin.
7/23/2024
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Currency Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World Paper Money Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, June 3, 2026