1937 D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel – A Rare Minting Error Worth Thousands

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is probably one of the most fascinating error coins in the American numismatic history. Being unique, for it had the buffalo on the reverse with only three visible legs due to its minting error, the coin has fascinated collectors and investors for a long time.
We are going to cut into the history, the rarity, and value and ways of identification for this incredible treasure.

History

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was produced from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin features:

  • Obverse: A Native American profile.
  • Reverse: An American buffalo, representing the nation’s cultural heritage.

In 1937, an over-polishing of the dies at the Denver Mint inadvertently left off the front right leg of the buffalo and created the distinctive three-legged characteristic. An effort to correct the damage done to the die in fact created one of the most noted minting mistakes in U.S. history.

Why is it so valuable?

Several factors are responsible for its high value:

  • Unique Error: No other Buffalo Nickels exist among millions with such a missing feature.
  • Historical Significance: It’s probably one of the most famous minting issues of the early 20th century.
  • Only a few three-legged issues were made.

Since only very few high-grade pieces exist, collectors crave those.

How Much Is It Worth?

The value of the coin is price-grade-condition dependent. Here’s an approximate price guide:

GradeApproximate Value
Fine (F-12)$600 – $800
Very Fine (VF-20)$1,000 – $1,500
Extremely Fine (EF-40)$2,000 – $3,000
About Uncirculated (AU-50)$5,000 – $6,000
Mint State (MS-63+)$10,000 – $20,000

Auction Highlights
In auctions, top-quality examples of this coin have sold for upwards of $50,000, making it a prized addition for serious numismatists.

How to Identify

To ensure you’ve found this rare coin, look for these features:

  • Missing Front Leg: The buffalo’s front right leg is absent, with only a faint stump or outline visible.
  • Die Polish Lines: Horizontal lines in the space where the leg should be.
  • Mintmark “D”: Below the buffalo on the reverse, this indicates it was minted at Denver
  • Year “1937” is easily visible on the obverse.

Why Collectors Fall for this

This particular coin leaves a niche in the numismatic world for its peculiar reason:

  • Historical Significance: It sheds light on how early 20th-century minting was made and what the difficulties were back then
  • Distinctive Look: Its missing leg sets it apart as easy to spot.
  • Investment Potential: The coin’s value has always appreciated, making it a valuable asset for collectors.

Preservation

If you have this rare coin, proper preservation is important to maintain its value:

  • Store in Coin Holders: Use acid-free holders or cases to protect the coin from dirt, moisture, and scratches.
  • Avoid Cleaning: Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and significantly reduce its value.
  • Professional Grading: Obtain the coin graded and authenticated by reputable services such as PCGS or NGC.

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is an extraordinary piece of history. From its random error to enduring appeal among collectors, this coin represents unpredictability that often characterizes treasures found in the world of coin collecting.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, this rare nickel is worth knowing about—and if you’re lucky enough to own one, it might just be a fortune waiting to be uncovered.

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