Imagine finding a nickel worth $100,000! The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history. A minting mistake made this coin rare, and collectors will pay big money for it. Let’s break down why this nickel is so special and how you might find one.
What Makes the 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel So Valuable?
This coin has a unique error—the buffalo on the back is missing one leg! A worker at the Denver Mint accidentally polished the coin’s mold too much, removing the buffalo’s front right leg. Only a few thousand escaped the mint before the mistake was fixed, making them super rare today.
Key Facts About This Rare Nickel
Minting error – Buffalo appears to have only three legs.
Only from Denver Mint – Look for the “D” mint mark.
Record sale: One sold for $120,000 in top condition.
How Much Is a 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel Worth?
The value depends on condition, but even worn ones are valuable:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Worn (Good-VG) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Fine to Extremely Fine | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $30,000 – $100,000+ |
The finest-known examples (graded MS-66) have sold for over $100,000!
Why Is This Coin So Popular?
- Unique Error – Only Buffalo Nickel with this mistake.
- Low Survival Rate – Many were used in circulation and worn out.
- High Demand – Collectors love error coins.
- Historic Design – Last year of the Buffalo Nickel series.
Where Are These Coins Today?
Most are in private collections, but some might still be hiding in:
Old coin jars (passed down in families).
Estate sales (unnoticed in collections).
Coin shops (if you’re lucky!).
How to Spot a Real 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel
Date & Mint Mark: Must say “1937-D” (Denver Mint).
Missing Leg: Buffalo’s front right leg is gone (compare to normal Buffalo Nickels).
Weight & Size: Should match a regular nickel (5 grams, 21.2mm).
If you think you have one, get it certified by PCGS or NGC to confirm it’s real!
The Most Expensive Sale Ever
In 2021, an MS-66 graded 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel sold for $120,000—proof that rare errors can be worth a fortune!
Could You Find One?
While most of these nickels are already in collections, coins still turn up in unexpected places. If you hunt through old change or inherited collections, you might just discover a $100,000 treasure! Always check your nickels—especially 1937-D ones!
FAQs
- Why is this nickel worth so much?
A mint error removed the buffalo’s leg, making it rare. - How many were made?
Unknown, but only a few thousand exist today. - What’s the highest price paid?
$120,000 for a perfect MS-66 grade coin. - How can I tell if mine is real?
Check for “1937-D” date and missing front right leg on the buffalo. - Could I find one in circulation?
Extremely unlikely, but always check old nickels! - Where are most of these coins now?
In private collections or museums. - What’s the cheapest one sold for?
Worn examples still sell for $500+.
