Coins are more than just money; sometimes, they tell unexpected stories. One such coin is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel. At first glance, it looks like a normal coin. But when you look closer, you’ll see something odd—one of the buffalo’s legs is missing. This mistake made the coin incredibly rare and valuable today.
This special coin came from the Denver Mint in 1937. It wasn’t made this way on purpose. A worker accidentally removed part of the design while trying to fix another problem. Although the error was caught quickly, a small number of coins were already released into the public.
Today, collectors and coin lovers look at this nickel as more than a minting mistake. It’s a piece of American history. Because it’s rare, easy to spot, and part of a beloved coin series, its value keeps increasing year after year.
How the Mistake Happened
Unlike most coins with minor design flaws, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel stands out because it’s missing a whole leg. The error happened when a mint worker at the Denver Mint over-polished the coin’s die. The die is the metal stamp that presses the image onto a coin. In trying to clean it, the worker rubbed away the front right leg of the buffalo.
The mistake also made the back right leg look weak and unclear. This gave the coin a strange look. While the issue was fixed soon after being discovered, a few of these error coins had already entered regular circulation.
What makes this coin special is that you don’t need a magnifying glass to see the mistake. The missing leg is clear to the naked eye, making it easy to identify—even for beginner collectors.
Not Many Left Today
No one knows the exact number of Three-Legged Buffalo Nickels that were made, but experts agree it was only a small batch. Many of these coins were used in everyday transactions and became worn out. Some were thrown away or melted down over time.
Because of this, it’s very rare to find one in good condition today. Most of the remaining coins are worn, and the ones in top condition are extremely valuable and highly sought after by collectors.
Why Collectors Love This Coin
Collectors are always on the lookout for rare coins, especially ones with interesting stories. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a must-have for people trying to complete the Buffalo Nickel series. Here’s why demand remains so strong:
- Easy to Notice – The missing leg stands out clearly.
- Rich History – The mistake tells a story about the old coin-making process.
- Very Rare – There are only a few high-quality ones left.
- Popular Coin Series – The Buffalo Nickel is already a favorite among collectors.
Even if the coin is worn, it’s still worth a lot. But if it’s in good or excellent condition, it could sell for thousands of dollars.
How Much Is It Worth Today?
The value of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel depends mostly on its condition. Lower-grade coins are still valuable, while those in excellent shape can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
One of the highest prices paid for this coin was $85,000 in 2016 for a top-quality piece. Since then, prices have continued to climb as more people recognize its rarity.
More Than Just a Coin: A Piece of the Past
The Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel tells us something about how coins were made in the early 1900s. Back then, workers polished coin dies by hand, which sometimes led to mistakes. Today, machines and computers help catch these problems before coins are released.
The Buffalo Nickel itself was designed by artist James Earle Fraser. It was meant to honor Native American history and the American West. The Three-Legged version adds a rare and memorable twist to that story.
This coin reminds us that even mistakes can become valuable parts of history.
Why It Will Stay Valuable
There are a few strong reasons why this coin will continue to hold its value for many years:
- Obvious Error – Easy to spot without special tools.
- Low Numbers – Not many were made, and fewer still remain.
- High Demand – Collectors are always looking for it.
- Historic Appeal – It tells a unique story about U.S. minting history.
- Part of a Popular Set – It’s a key part of a well-loved coin series.
As time passes and fewer high-grade examples remain, the value of this rare nickel is only expected to grow. It’s both a collector’s dream and a smart investment.