1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel Value
1937 · 5¢ · 75% copper 25% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $500.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $1,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $12,000 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $36,000 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $180,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1937-D | Three-legged variety, front right leg missing from over-polishing | $500–$25,000 |
| 1937-D | Normal example without the error for comparison | $1–$20 |
| 1936-D | 3+1/2 legs variety also exists from same period | $100–$500 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James Earle Fraser
- Years
- 1937
- Denomination
- 5¢
- Composition
- 75% copper 25% nickel
- Diameter
- 21.2 mm
- Weight
- 5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: History & Background
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous error varieties in American coinage. A Denver Mint employee over-polished a worn reverse die, inadvertently removing the buffalo's front right leg entirely. An estimated 10,000 to 20,000 examples entered circulation before the die was replaced, and many were discovered by alert collectors at the time. The coin is part of the Buffalo Nickel series designed by James Earle Fraser, who used three Native American chiefs as models for the obverse and Black Diamond, a bison from the Central Park Zoo, for the reverse. Counterfeits abound, so authentication by a reputable grading service is strongly recommended.
How to Grade a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →