1937 (D) Buffalo Nickel
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
$35,250 MS68 03-06-2015 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1937 (D) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the Denver Mint as part of 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. Struck at the Denver Mint, established in 1906 from an earlier assay office that processed Colorado gold rush metal. 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 #3981.
External References
Error Varieties(11)
1937-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1937-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-007
1937-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-008
