Discover the Value of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: Worth $95K

The 1937-D is one of the most essay and valued coins in the history of America. It has intrigued collectors and investors for decades, with some specimens fetching more than $95,000 at auctions, making it a really prized piece in the numismatic world.

The Origin of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

Buffalo Nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938 and is officially otherwise called Indian Head Nickel. The coin had a Native American profile on one part and an American bison on its back, designed by another famous sculptor of the era, James Earle Fraser.
In 1937, an over-worked die when entered at the Denver Mint again caused the front right leg of the bison to be polished off. That error evaporated for the most part without notice while many pieces entered the coinage. This became a strong secret as well as a wanted variety, which has come to be the “Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel.”

The Key Points for the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

As far as the collectors are concerned, the following features are distinguishing the coin:

• The front leg is missing and can be distinguished from its hoof.
• The back notch is feeble or more like moth eaten because it has been overly polished.
• The back of the coin has surfaces that are polished denoting dots or stream under the belly of the bison.
• Mint Mark: Under the letter D, part of the “FIVE CENTS” is located at the back, indicating it was minted in the Denver Mint.

These are the features which would have no scope to authenticate the coins because most of the coins would be counterfeit.

Market Value and Auction Records

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is valued according to its grade and condition. For example:
In 2021, it was valued at $99,875 when a specimen graded as MS-66 by the PCGS was sold at an auction.
Better coins conditionally with very low wear commands a lot more so, thus this error coin is really popular among collectors.

Grade	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$550 – $600
Very Fine (VF-20)	$1,200 – $1,500
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$2,500 – $3,000
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$4,000 – $5,000
Mint State (MS-60)	$7,000 – $8,000
Mint State (MS-65)	$15,000 – $20,000

Factors Affecting Its Value

Other issues include:-
Condition: A high grade (little wear) coins will usually command a premium.
Rarities: The unique minting error and a limited number of survivors rendering the coin ultra rare.
Domestication by Market Demand: Demand from collectors and investors would dictate the increase in value.

Authentication and Grading

Due to the extremely high value of the coin and the growing strength of counterfeits, it is very important for the coin to be authenticated and graded by professionals. PCGS and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are among the most trusted grading services that give certification of the coin’s veracity along with its value.

conclusion

An interesting piece of American numismatic history given form is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel. Its unique progeny, unusual characteristics, and depreciation of value all combine to make it a prized possession of the collector’s. Whether you are an experienced numismatist or a curious enthusiast, this coin epitomizes the thrills and rarity of minting errors.

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