In the world of coin collecting, some coins are more than just old pieces of metal—they are stories in your pocket. One of the most famous of these is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel. This rare coin has captured the interest of collectors for many years because of one big mistake: the buffalo on the coin is missing one of its legs.
This strange error happened at the Denver Mint, where a worker tried to fix a coin die by polishing it. In doing so, they accidentally removed the front right leg of the buffalo. The error was caught quickly, but not before a few thousand of these unique nickels entered circulation. Today, this coin is one of the most wanted by collectors.
The Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is more than just a mistake—it’s a part of American history. Its value keeps rising because of its limited number, clear error, and the love collectors have for the Buffalo Nickel series. Let’s explore how this rare coin came to be, why it’s so valuable, and what makes it so special.
How a Simple Mint Error Created a Rare Coin
Most coin mistakes are small, but the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is different. While fixing marks on the die (the tool that stamps coins), a Denver Mint employee polished it too much. This accidentally removed the buffalo’s front right leg. The back right leg also looks weak and faint, making the coin stand out even more.
The mistake was caught and fixed quickly, but not before a number of these coins were already sent out. Because the missing leg is very easy to see, even without a magnifying glass, collectors noticed it right away. This made it a famous coin error—and a favorite among collectors everywhere.
Very Few Coins Were Made and Survived
It’s unclear exactly how many of these Three-Legged Nickels were made, but experts believe only a few thousand entered circulation. Over the years, many were lost, spent in daily life, or damaged. Some may have even been melted down, making them even harder to find today.
Here are some reasons why these coins are so rare now:
- The error was fixed quickly, so not many were made.
- Most were used like regular coins and got worn out.
- Some were thrown away or destroyed over time.
Because of these reasons, finding a well-kept Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel today is very difficult. The few that remain in great condition are now worth a lot of money.
Collectors Love This Coin for Many Reasons
There are many things that make this coin a collector’s dream:
- The error is clear: The missing leg is easy to spot.
- It’s a part of history: It shows how coins were made by hand in the past.
- It’s very rare: Only a few remain, especially in good condition.
- The Buffalo Nickel series is popular: Many collectors want the full set, and this coin is a key piece.
Even coins that are scratched or worn are still valuable. But the rare ones that look almost new can sell for huge amounts of money. This strong demand keeps pushing prices higher.
How Much Is This Coin Worth Today?
Prices for this coin have been going up steadily over the years. The better the condition, the more it is worth.
One coin even sold for $85,000 in 2016! As more people learn about this coin and fewer clean ones are left, prices may continue to go up.
A True American Coin with a Human Touch
This coin tells a deeper story about how things were made in the past. Back then, workers at the U.S. Mint did much of the work by hand. Mistakes like this weren’t uncommon, but most were small. This one, however, became a treasure.
The Buffalo Nickel itself was created by artist James Earle Fraser. It was meant to honor Native American culture and the wild spirit of the American West. The Three-Legged version, made near the end of the Buffalo Nickel’s production, adds a fascinating twist to that story.
The missing leg makes this coin more than just an error—it turns it into a piece of history that shows how human effort and error can create something unforgettable.
Why This Nickel Will Stay Valuable for Years
This coin will likely always be in high demand. Here’s why:
- The mistake is clear and famous.
- Only a few of these coins still exist.
- Collectors keep looking for it.
- It has a strong connection to U.S. history.
- The full Buffalo Nickel set is incomplete without it.
Because of all these things, the value of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is expected to keep growing. It’s more than a coin—it’s a smart investment and a rare part of America’s past.