The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 in heavily worn condition, all the way up to $500 or more in mint state — and if you’ve got the rare “Three-Legged” variety, you could be sitting on something truly special. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what you’re holding.
What Is the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel?
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint, indicated by the small “D” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” This was one of the final years of the Buffalo Nickel series, which ran from 1913 to 1938.
If you’ve found one of these in an old jar, a coin collection, or even in grandma’s dresser drawer, you’re looking at a piece of genuine American history. The design — a Native American portrait on the front and an American bison on the back — was created by sculptor James Earle Fraser and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
Using a coin identifier and value app is a great starting point if you’re not sure exactly what you’ve got — it can help you confirm the mint mark, date, and condition before you start researching value.
How Much Is a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel Worth?
Value depends almost entirely on the condition of your coin. Coin collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70, where higher numbers mean better condition. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible but flat | $1 – $2 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail visible | $2 – $4 |
| Fine (F-12) | Light to moderate wear, clear design | $4 – $7 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Light wear on high points | $7 – $15 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear, sharp detail | $15 – $30 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Trace wear only, near perfect | $30 – $60 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, some minor marks | $60 – $150 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem quality, near flawless | $200 – $500+ |
For a more detailed look at 1937-D Buffalo Nickel prices in mint state grades, including recent auction results and population data, it’s worth checking certified coin price databases.
The Famous 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This is where things get really exciting. Among 1937-D Buffalo Nickels, there exists a famous error coin known as the “Three-Legged Buffalo.” During production, a mint worker over-polished the die, accidentally removing the bison’s front right leg from the design.
The result? A buffalo that appears to be standing on only three legs — and a coin that’s one of the most sought-after error coins in American numismatics.
A genuine 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel in Good condition can be worth $500 to $700. In Fine condition, expect $1,000 to $1,500. In higher grades, certified examples have sold at auction for $10,000 or more.
Be careful — fakes and altered coins are common. Always look for the missing leg on the front right side of the bison, and check for a faint hoof outline on genuine examples. If you think you’ve got one, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC before assuming its value.
How to Check the Condition of Your 1937-D Buffalo Nickel
Condition is everything with these coins. The most important areas to examine are the bison’s horn, the hair above the Native American’s braid, and the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse.
If those details are sharp and well-defined, your coin is likely in better shape — and worth more money. If the surface looks flat and worn smooth, it’s been circulated heavily and sits on the lower end of the value scale.
CoinHix is a fantastic app for checking real-time market values on coins like this. It pulls live price data so you always know what the current market looks like — not just what a book said five years ago.
You can also find detailed 1937 nickel value information across different grades and mint marks to compare how the Denver issue stacks up against the Philadelphia and San Francisco versions.
Should You Sell or Keep Your 1937-D Buffalo Nickel?
If you’ve got a circulated example worth a few dollars, it might be worth keeping just for the history and beauty of the coin. But if your coin grades Very Fine or better — or if you suspect it might be the Three-Legged variety — it’s absolutely worth getting a professional opinion.
You can submit coins to PCGS or NGC for professional grading and authentication. Once slabbed (sealed in a certified holder), your coin becomes much easier to sell at full market value through auction houses, coin dealers, or online platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions.
CoinHix also lets you track the value of coins in your personal collection over time, which is a great feature if you plan to hold and potentially sell later. It’s a smart tool for anyone building even a small collection at home.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is the rare Three-Legged variety?
A: Look at the bison on the reverse. If the front right leg appears to be missing and you can only count three visible legs, you may have the error coin. A faint hoof remnant is often still visible on authentic examples. Always get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC before drawing conclusions.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel?
A: The “D” mintmark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS” and above the ground line the buffalo stands on.
Q: Is a worn 1937-D Buffalo Nickel worth saving?
A: Even a heavily worn example has some collector appeal and is worth keeping. If it’s in better condition — especially Very Fine or above — it could be worth $10 to several hundred dollars depending on grade. Use CoinHix or a similar app to get a quick sense of current market value before deciding whether to sell.