Buffalo Nickel Crafting Guide: 1937 Edition

Buffalo Nickel Metal Properties for Jewelry Making

Not every coin makes a good candidate for jewelry crafting. Let’s examine the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making.

Understanding the Base Metal

The 1937 Buffalo Nickel consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, creating a cupronickel alloy that offers durability and corrosion resistance. However, this blend presents unique challenges for jewelry crafting that differ from precious metals.

Hardness Considerations

With a hardness rating of 150-180 Vickers, Buffalo Nickels are notably harder to work with than silver coins. This means:

• You’ll need specialized tools for bending and shaping
• The metal resists scratching once formed, making it durable for everyday wear
• Greater effort is required during the crafting process

Silver Content Analysis

Unlike silver coinage from the same era, Buffalo Nickels contain zero silver content. This impacts:

• Melting point (approximately 1150°C versus 960°C for silver)
• Overall weight and density of the finished piece
• Market value for scrap purposes, affecting the coin’s intrinsic worth

Design Features Worth Preserving

Iconic Buffalo Design

James Earle Fraser’s masterful design features:

• A prominently raised buffalo on the reverse
• A Native American portrait on the obverse
• Sharp detail lines that can wear quickly with handling

Crafting Considerations

When creating jewelry from Buffalo Nickels, remember:

The raised design elements create natural texture but may cause uneven thickness in finished pieces

Preserving Key Details

Focus on maintaining these critical design elements:

• The distinctive buffalo horn details
• Feather patterns in the headdress
• The “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscription

Common Damage and Its Impact

Heat Damage Analysis

The forum discussion reveals potential heat exposure. Heat damage manifests as:

• Discoloration of the metal surface, affecting eye appeal
• Potential warping of the coin’s shape
• Weakened structural integrity that could compromise durability

Wire Brushing Effects

Heavy wire brushing creates:

• Surface scratches in one direction, affecting the coin’s original luster
• Loss of original mint luster and surface quality
• Potential removal of fine detail that reduces collectibility

Solder Contamination

Reverse solder indicates:

• Previous jewelry attachment that may affect numismatic value
• Possible metal contamination requiring thorough cleaning
• Need for careful preparation before crafting new pieces

Crafting Techniques for Buffalo Nickels

Preparation Steps

Before crafting, ensure these critical steps:

1. Complete removal of existing solder to prevent contamination
2. Surface cleaning with appropriate solvents to restore appearance
3. Thorough inspection for cracks or structural damage that could compromise the piece

Shaping Methods

Recommended techniques include:

• Manual bending with leather-protected pliers to prevent marring
• Ring mandrel forming for circular shapes like rings
• Heat-assisted shaping for stubborn areas, though carefully controlled

Finishing Options

Post-shaping finishes can dramatically affect the final appearance:

• Polishing to restore shine and highlight details
• Patina application for an antique look that enhances the vintage appeal
• Protective coating to prevent tarnish and preserve the finish

Design Ideas for Buffalo Nickel Jewelry

Ring Creations

Buffalo Nickels make excellent rings due to:

• Appropriate size for finger wear without extensive resizing
• Durable metal composition that withstands daily wear
• Historical conversation piece that showcases American heritage

Pendant Possibilities

Consider using as:

• Simple bezel-set pendant that protects the coin
• Wrapped wire design that highlights the coin’s edges
• Part of mixed metal collage for artistic expression

Earring Applications

For earrings, Buffalo Nickels work well as:

• Stud earrings (cut to size for symmetry)
• Dangle components that move with the wearer
• Mixed with other vintage elements for unique designs

Quality Assessment Checklist

Before Crafting

Evaluate these critical factors:

• Metal integrity (no cracks or heavy corrosion that weakens structure)
• Design visibility (details still discernible for aesthetic appeal)
• Surface condition (excessive scratches may affect final appearance and value)

During Crafting

Monitor for these important considerations:

• Even bending to prevent warping that distorts the design
• Temperature control during shaping to avoid additional damage
• Preservation of key design elements that give the piece character

After Crafting

Final quality checks should include:

• Smooth edges (no sharp points that could snag clothing or scratch skin)
• Secure connections in multi-piece designs for durability
• Appropriate finish for the design intent and wearer’s preferences

Historical Context and Value

1937 Buffalo Nickel Specifics

The 1937 date represents:

• Later production in the series, potentially higher mintage numbers
• Classic Art Deco era context that adds historical interest
• A transitional period in American coinage design

Collector Considerations

Altering coins affects multiple aspects:

• Numismatic value (typically decreases significantly for altered pieces)
• Historical preservation (controversial practice among purists)
• Personal value as unique jewelry that carries historical significance

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal Status

Creating jewelry from coins is generally legal if:

• No fraud is intended in the transformation process
• The coin is not being passed as legal tender after modification
• Defacement is not for fraudulent purposes or misrepresentation

Ethical Debates

Consider the controversy around:

• Destroying historical artifacts that represent cultural heritage
• Cultural appropriation of Native American imagery in commercial products
• Environmental impact of crafting processes and material waste

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning Guidelines

For cleaned Buffalo Nickel jewelry:

• Use mild soap and water only to preserve the finish
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface
• Polish gently with a soft cloth to maintain luster

Storage Recommendations

Store jewelry in:

• Separate compartments to prevent scratching between pieces
• Low-humidity environment to prevent tarnish and corrosion
• Away from direct sunlight which can fade certain finishes

Conclusion

Buffalo Nickels, including the 1937 variety, offer unique opportunities for jewelry crafting. Their cupronickel composition provides durability for everyday wear, while the iconic design creates conversation-starting pieces that showcase American history. However, crafters must carefully consider the metal’s hardness, potential damage history, and ethical implications before transforming these historical coins into wearable art.

The forum discussion reveals that this particular 1937 Buffalo Nickel has experienced significant wear, including possible heat damage, wire brushing, and solder contamination. These factors would need to be addressed before crafting, but they don’t necessarily preclude creating beautiful jewelry. With proper techniques, appreciation for the coin’s history, and respect for its cultural significance, Buffalo Nickels can be transformed into meaningful pieces that honor both their past and their new life as jewelry.

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