The 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel is one of the most fascinating U.S. coins that collectors look for today. Even though it’s famous as part of the Buffalo Nickel series, it’s not technically a variety. The missing leg is due to an over-polished die, not an intentional design change. Let’s explore how this unique coin came to be and what makes it so valuable in 2024.
How the 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel Was Made
The 1937-D Nickel’s missing leg occurred because a U.S. Mint employee over-polished the coin die used to create it. This heavy polishing removed almost the entire front right leg of the buffalo on the reverse side, leaving just a hoof.
The polishing may have been done to extend the life of a worn-out die or to remove clash marks. The Buffalo Nickel dies were pushed to their limits due to high production demands at the Denver Mint in 1937.
Discovery of the Error
The first 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickels were discovered by a Montana coin dealer named C.L. “Cowboy” Franzen in late 1937. These coins were initially sent out through normal Treasury Department shipments to banks, and it wasn’t long before collectors began to notice the missing leg. By 1965, these error coins were being sold for $40 to $95, which is equivalent to about $377 to $895 today.
How Many Were Made?
Since only one die produced the error coins, experts estimate that about 20,000 coins were created before the problem was discovered and the die was removed. This small number makes the 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel a rare and highly sought-after coin.
What is the 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel Worth in 2024?
Even though many of these coins have been found and graded, demand remains high. In circulated condition (lower grades like G4 to G6), the coin sells for $200 to $500. But as the condition improves, the value skyrockets. For coins graded as Extra Fine (XF), you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,500. In some cases, even worn examples in About Uncirculated (AU55 to AU58) grades sell for $1,250 to $2,000.
For those in top condition, like Mint State (MS64 and higher), the value jumps even more. These coins can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $9,000. One example graded MS67 sold for almost $100,000 at auction in 2021!
Design Details
- Obverse: The front of the coin features a Native American warrior’s face. This design is a combination of three real-life Native Americans: Chief Iron Tail, Big Tree, and Two Moons. The date “1937” and the word “LIBERTY” are displayed on the right side.
- Reverse: The back of the coin shows a buffalo named Black Diamond, who lived at the New York Central Park Zoo. While most Buffalo Nickels show all four legs of the buffalo, this one is missing the front right leg, making it stand out from others. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the mintmark “D” for Denver are also on the reverse side.
Conclusion
The 1937-D “3-Legged” Buffalo Nickel remains one of the most popular error coins in U.S. history. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coin collector, owning this coin is like holding a piece of history. Its unique story, rarity, and increasing value make it a treasure worth seeking out.