The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most talked-about error coins in American coin history. This nickel looks different from regular Buffalo Nickels because the buffalo on the back only has three visible legs. This strange design happened by accident, but it made the coin very famous.
The mistake occurred at the Denver Mint in 1937, when a worker tried to clean up a coin die that had marks on it. While doing this, they polished the die too much and erased one of the buffalo’s legs. Even though the mistake was caught quickly, a few of these error coins still went out into public use. Today, collectors are willing to pay a lot of money for one of these special nickels.
Because of its unusual appearance, limited supply, and historical background, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most valuable U.S. coins ever made. Even if the coin is worn or old, it is still worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Let’s look at the full story behind this rare coin, including how the mistake happened, why it’s so hard to find, and how much it’s worth today.
A Minting Error That Stands Out
The main reason this coin is so special is because of a clear mistake. Usually, minting errors are hard to notice unless you use a magnifying glass. But in this case, anyone can see that the buffalo has only three legs. This makes it stand out even to beginner coin collectors.
The mistake happened at the Denver Mint when a worker tried to remove clash marks from a die used to stamp the coin. In the process, they accidentally removed the front right leg of the buffalo. The back leg also looks a bit faded. Since the error was fixed quickly, only a small number of these coins were released.
This type of error is unique because it’s easy to spot. That’s why this coin has become a favorite for collectors. It’s one of the few coins where the error is large and clearly visible without any tools.
Only a Few Still Exist
No one knows the exact number of Three-Legged Buffalo Nickels that were made, but experts believe only a few thousand were ever circulated. Many of them were used in everyday life, which means they became scratched, worn out, or even thrown away.
Here are a few reasons why so few of these coins are left:
- The mistake was corrected fast, so not many were released.
- Most were spent and used daily, wearing them down.
- Some were lost, melted, or thrown away by people who didn’t know they were special.
Because of all this, finding one in great condition is very rare. Well-preserved versions are considered treasures and are often sold at high prices in auctions.
What Makes It So Wanted by Collectors
There are many rare coins, but not all of them are as well-loved as the 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel. Collectors look for this coin because it has everything they like—rarity, a visible error, and a great story.
Here’s why collectors love it:
- Unusual Look: The missing leg is easy to see.
- Historical Value: It shows how coins were made by hand in the past.
- Hard to Find: Very few in good shape are still around.
- Popular Series: The Buffalo Nickel set is one of the most collected in the U.S.
Even damaged versions of this coin can sell for hundreds of dollars. Coins in better shape are even more expensive. That shows how strong the demand is at all price levels.
How Much Is It Worth?
Over the years, the value of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel has gone up. The price mostly depends on how well the coin has been kept. Even worn coins are worth a lot more than their face value.
One of the highest sales of this coin happened in 2016, when a top-grade coin sold for $85,000. As fewer top-quality coins are found, the value is expected to rise even more.
A Window Into the Past
This coin is not just valuable—it also tells a story about America’s coin-making history. In the 1930s, mint workers did a lot of the work by hand, including cleaning the dies. Mistakes like the missing leg happened because machines weren’t as advanced as they are now.
The Buffalo Nickel was designed by artist James Earle Fraser and honors Native American culture and the wild buffalo. The Three-Legged version came near the end of the series and adds a rare twist to the coin’s story.
This kind of error reminds us that even in serious jobs like minting money, human mistakes can create something truly special.
Why Its Value Will Keep Growing
Collectors and experts agree that the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel will continue to be valuable for many years. Here’s why:
- The error is large and easy to spot.
- Fewer coins are found each year in good shape.
- Many collectors want it to complete their Buffalo Nickel set.
- Its story adds to its charm.
- Coins from this series are already in high demand.
As time goes on, more coins will get lost or damaged, making the remaining ones even rarer. That’s why people see this coin as not just a collectible—but also a smart investment.