1937 (D) Buffalo Nickel - 3 Legged
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$99,875 MS66+ 10-28-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1937 (D) Buffalo Nickel - 3 Legged was struck at the Denver Mint as a nickel in the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 17.8 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 15% of production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. The 1937-D "Three-Legged Buffalo" error, caused by excessive die polishing, is one of the most iconic U.S. coin errors. Also the final year of the series. Coined at Denver's facility, which transitioned from processing Colorado gold rush metal to full-scale coin production in 1906. Estimated market value ranges from $559 to $5.2K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3982.
External References
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