Preserving Your 1937 Buffalo Nickel: A Conservationist’s Guide to Protection and Care

Introduction: The Cost of Improper Preservation

I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here is how to keep this safe for the next generation.

The 1937 Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, represents one of America’s most beloved coin designs. Featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, this coin has captured collectors’ imaginations for generations. However, improper handling and storage can quickly destroy both its aesthetic appeal and monetary value. Before we discuss specific preservation techniques, let’s examine what might have caused the damage visible in your specimen.

Understanding the Damage: What Happened to This 1937 Nickel?

The corrosion and discoloration visible on your 1937 Buffalo Nickel likely resulted from several damaging factors. Forum contributors correctly identified multiple issues: aqueous acid corrosion, possible solder application on the reverse, and what appears to be heavy wire brushing on the obverse. These combined factors suggest this coin may have once been part of a jewelry piece or subjected to harsh cleaning attempts.

The nickel composition of these coins (75% copper, 25% nickel) makes them particularly susceptible to certain types of corrosion. When exposed to acids or harsh chemicals, the copper content can leach out, creating distinctive discoloration patterns. The solder presence indicates the coin was likely mounted or attached to something, while the wire brushing represents an aggressive cleaning attempt that has permanently damaged the coin’s surface.

The Critical Decision: To Clean or Not to Clean?

When it comes to coin preservation, the golden rule is: never clean valuable coins. This cannot be overstated. The damage visible on your 1937 nickel likely resulted from well-intentioned but misguided cleaning attempts. Once a coin’s original surface is altered through cleaning, polishing, or brushing, its numismatic value typically decreases by 50% or more.

Professional conservationists follow a strict principle: preserve the original surface exactly as it exists. Even tarnish, toning, and minor oxidation are part of a coin’s natural history and character. Professional conservation involves removing harmful deposits without altering the original surface – a delicate process requiring specialized knowledge and equipment that should only be performed by experts.

Understanding Toning and Oxidation: Natural vs. Harmful

Toning on silver and nickel coins occurs naturally over time through exposure to sulfur compounds in the air, creating beautiful rainbow or amber patinas that many collectors prize. This natural toning is entirely different from harmful oxidation or corrosion. Natural toning develops slowly and evenly, while corrosion typically appears as splotchy, rough, or discolored areas.

For your 1937 nickel, any existing toning should be preserved. The coin’s copper-nickel composition means it won’t develop the same dramatic toning patterns as silver coins, but it can develop subtle golden or amber hues that enhance its appearance. These natural developments are signs of a coin’s journey through time and should be respected rather than removed.

PVC Damage: The Silent Killer of Coin Collections

One of the most common and destructive forms of damage in coin collections comes from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) found in many older plastic holders and flips. PVC leaches out over time, especially in warm conditions, creating a slimy green residue that permanently damages coin surfaces.

Modern archival-quality holders are PVC-free and made from materials like polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene. If your 1937 nickel has been stored in older PVC-containing holders, carefully inspect it for the characteristic green residue or cloudy appearance on the surface. If PVC damage is present, professional conservation may be necessary to stabilize the coin.

Proper Storage Solutions: Creating the Right Environment

Proper storage is perhaps the most critical aspect of coin preservation. The ideal environment for your 1937 Buffalo Nickel includes:

• Temperature control: Maintain a stable temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid attics, basements, and areas with dramatic temperature fluctuations.
• Humidity management: Keep relative humidity between 45-55%. Higher humidity promotes corrosion; lower humidity can make coins brittle.
• Light exposure: Store coins in darkness or low-light conditions. UV light accelerates toning and can damage surfaces over time.
• Air quality: Use airtight containers to protect against atmospheric pollutants and sulfur compounds.

For individual coin storage, consider these options ranked by protection level:

1. Archival-quality holders or flips (PVC-free)
2. Airtight capsules specifically designed for coin storage
3. Acid-free paper envelopes
4. Properly constructed coin albums with archival pages

Advanced Preservation Techniques

For particularly valuable specimens or coins showing early signs of deterioration, consider these advanced preservation methods:

Intercept Technology: Some modern holders incorporate silver-based technology that neutralizes sulfur and other pollutants. These can be especially valuable for long-term storage.

Dehumidifiers and desiccants: In humid climates, consider using silica gel packets or electronic dehumidifiers in your storage area. Replace desiccants regularly to maintain effectiveness.

Security considerations: Beyond environmental protection, ensure your collection is stored in a secure location. Consider a quality safe that provides both fire protection and theft deterrence.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Even with proper storage, regular inspection is essential. Every 6-12 months, carefully examine your coins for any signs of developing problems:

• Check for new discoloration or spotting
• Ensure holders remain intact and undamaged
• Verify environmental conditions remain stable
• Look for signs of pest activity (silverfish can damage paper holders)

Always handle coins with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves, holding them by the edges to prevent oils and acids from your skin from transferring to the surfaces.

Insurance and Documentation

For valuable coins like certain 1937 Buffalo Nickels (particularly those in high grades or with rare varieties), proper documentation and insurance are essential. Maintain detailed records including:

• High-quality photographs of both sides
• Grading information from professional services
• Purchase receipts and provenance information
• Current market valuations

Consider specialized collectibles insurance that covers market value fluctuations and specific risks to coin collections.

Conclusion: Preserving History for Future Generations

The 1937 Buffalo Nickel you’re working to preserve represents more than just a collectible – it’s a tangible piece of American history from the Great Depression era. By understanding the damage already present and implementing proper preservation techniques, you can ensure this coin remains stable and potentially recoverable for future generations.

Remember that conservation is about stabilization and preservation, not restoration. The goal is to prevent further deterioration while maintaining the coin’s historical integrity. With proper care, your 1937 Buffalo Nickel can remain a cherished piece of your collection for decades to come, telling its story to future collectors who will appreciate both its design and its journey through time.

The damage visible on your specimen – from the corrosion to the wire brushing – represents a learning opportunity. By understanding what went wrong, you can ensure your other coins receive the proper care they deserve. Conservation isn’t just about protecting value; it’s about preserving history itself.

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