The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel : In a country where pocket change often goes unnoticed, one small coin could make all the difference — especially if that coin happens to be the elusive 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with the “Three-Legged” variety. Believed by some collectors to still occasionally turn up in circulation or forgotten drawers, this rare nickel has fetched auction prices as high as $1.2 million under the right conditions.
So how does a coin with a face value of just five cents end up commanding such a staggering price? The answer lies in its fascinating error, historical background, and collector obsession.
What Makes the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel So Special?
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel was minted in Denver and became instantly recognizable among numismatists due to a minting mistake. A mint worker accidentally overpolished the reverse die, which caused the front leg of the buffalo on the coin’s reverse side to disappear. As a result, the bison appears to have only three legs, making this version a mint error coin, not a regular production run.
But it wasn’t just the error itself that caused a stir — it was the fact that these coins entered general circulation. Many went unnoticed for years before collectors caught on to the anomaly.
How Rare Is It?
Although millions of Buffalo Nickels were minted in 1937, only a small fraction were of the three-legged variety. Estimates suggest fewer than 10,000 may exist today in any condition. Even fewer survive in high-grade, uncirculated form. That’s where the real value comes in. One pristine example — graded MS-66 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) — has been valued at over $1.2 million due to its condition, rarity, and demand.
Could You Have One?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Older coins have a tendency to resurface in circulation, especially when people break open coin jars or inherit collections from past generations. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of those legendary coins that occasionally makes its way back into the public’s hands.
To check if you have one:
- Look for the “D” mintmark under the “FIVE CENTS” text on the reverse side.
- Examine the front right leg of the buffalo — if it appears missing or partially erased, it may be the rare variety.
- If you suspect you’ve found one, don’t clean it. Have it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why Do People Still Talk About It?
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel isn’t just a coin — it’s a symbol of the unexpected treasures still lurking in everyday places. Stories of people finding one in an old wallet or coin roll continue to emerge, sparking both hope and curiosity. Its legendary status has kept it in headlines, numismatic circles, and even mainstream media, especially after record-breaking sales at auctions.
The Buffalo Nickel’s Enduring Legacy
Originally minted between 1913 and 1938, the Buffalo Nickel is one of America’s most iconic coins. Its depiction of a Native American on the obverse and a majestic bison on the reverse symbolizes strength, heritage, and pride. The Three-Legged 1937-D variant only adds another layer to that legacy — a mistake turned million-dollar marvel.
Also Read:- Roosevelt Dime From 1982 Without Mint Mark Found in Circulation — Valued at $475,000
Final Thought
While the odds of stumbling upon this rare nickel are slim, it’s not zero. So the next time you dig through your change or sort out an old piggy bank, take a closer look. That worn-out coin might just be the jackpot hiding in plain sight — a humble nickel with a million-dollar secret.
