1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel : It might be time to take a closer look at your pocket change. One of the rarest and most valuable error coins in American history—the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel—is still making surprise appearances in everyday circulation. And with values soaring as high as $110,000, this oddity is more than just a numismatic curiosity.
A Minting Mistake Worth Thousands
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is exactly what it sounds like: a nickel missing one of the buffalo’s legs. Struck at the Denver Mint, this error occurred when a mint worker aggressively polished a damaged die, accidentally removing the front right leg of the iconic bison from the die used to strike the coins. The result? A visibly three-legged buffalo on a genuine U.S. nickel.
Unlike most mint errors, which often go unnoticed or are scrapped during quality control, this peculiar piece entered mass circulation—creating one of the most famous and sought-after errors in American coinage.
Why It’s So Valuable
There are a few reasons collectors are willing to pay five figures for this coin:
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Scarcity: It’s estimated that fewer than 10,000 examples of the 3-legged buffalo nickel survive in any condition, with far fewer in mint state.
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Historical Appeal: As one of the most dramatic and easily recognizable mint errors, it has captivated collectors for decades.
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Condition Rarity: While circulated examples can fetch hundreds to a few thousand dollars, coins in pristine, uncirculated condition can command up to $110,000 or more at auction.
How to Spot One
Even if you’re not a seasoned coin collector, spotting a 3-legged Buffalo Nickel isn’t too difficult. Here’s what to look for:
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Date and Mint Mark: The coin must be from 1937 with a small “D” mint mark below the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse, indicating it was minted in Denver.
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Three Legs: The buffalo’s front right leg is missing, but the hoof may still faintly appear due to die wear.
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Ground Details: On genuine errors, the area beneath the buffalo shows clear signs of ground polish lines—indicating the die was overpolished.
If you think you’ve found one, experts recommend not cleaning or altering the coin in any way. A professional appraisal or grading by a service like PCGS or NGC will determine authenticity and value.
Still Turning Up in Change?
Yes—though rare, there are occasional stories of the 3-legged nickel surfacing in pocket change, coin rolls, estate collections, or flea markets. Many unsuspecting people mistake them for ordinary worn nickels and spend them without a second thought.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a coin enthusiast—or just someone who enjoys hunting for treasure in spare change—it pays to keep an eye out. The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel remains one of the most legendary errors in U.S. coinage, combining rarity, visual intrigue, and high value. One glance could turn five cents into a six-figure payday.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q: What is the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
A: It’s a rare mint error nickel struck at the Denver Mint in 1937. The coin is missing the front right leg of the buffalo due to over-polishing of the die used to strike it.
Q: How much is a 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel worth?
A: Value depends on condition. Worn examples may be worth $500–$1,500, while high-grade, uncirculated specimens can fetch $50,000 to $110,000 or more at auction.
Q: How can I tell if I have a real one?
A: Check for:
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The date: 1937
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Mint mark: Small “D” under “FIVE CENTS”
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The buffalo’s front right leg is missing
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Signs of polish lines beneath the buffalo’s belly
If it matches all these, have it authenticated by a reputable grading service.
Q: Why does it have only three legs?
A: A Denver Mint worker over-polished the die to remove clash marks, accidentally erasing one of the buffalo’s legs in the process. The error went unnoticed before thousands of coins were struck.