Hey everyone! I’ve recently started digging into the world of 1937-D 3-leg buffalo nickels, and I’m absolutely fascinated. I stumbled upon a few potential buys but I’ve also heard a lot of mixed advice. Some of these coins look fantastic, while others… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t consider them for my collection. The idea of acquiring a piece with such an intriguing backstory has me over the moon, but I want to make sure I tread carefully in this niche market.
My main question is: what has been your experience with buying or selling this specific coin? I’ve done a bit of research on recognizing variations in condition—like the difference between Fine, Very Fine, and Uncirculated—but I’d love to hear more about specific red flags I should keep an eye out for. Are there forgeries or common issues in this series that I might overlook?
I’m particularly interested in any stories you might have about your own transactions, good or bad. Did you encounter a seller or buyer who was particularly knowledgeable (or, conversely, shady)? What advice would you give to someone navigating their first purchase? Looking forward to hearing your insights and experiences!
Great topic, CoinFanatic89! The 1937-D 3-leg buffalo nickel is such a unique coin due to its striking error, where the buffalo appears to be missing a leg. I acquired my first one about five years ago at a local coin show. The process was incredibly enlightening, but there were definitely some red flags to consider.
- Always verify the coin’s condition grading. Learning to distinguish between Fine, Very Fine, and Uncirculated is key—if you get a coin graded lower than you expected, it can be quite the disappointment!
- Be cautious with online purchases. Look out for sellers who don’t provide high-quality images or detailed descriptions. Sometimes, coins can appear much better in photos than they do in person.
- Lastly, ask about provenance. If a seller can’t provide any history about the coin, it might be a sign to walk away.
For more information, I recommend checking out
PCGS and
NGC for grading standards.
Always trust your instincts!
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I have sold a few 1937-D 3-legs, and one thing to keep in mind is the authenticity. There are quite a few forgeries out there. Inspect the coin closely for details and also consider getting it graded by a trusted source before buying—it might save you a lot of trouble later! @CoinFanatic89, have you checked your potential buys with any grading services yet?
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Thanks for the tip, NickelNerd! I haven’t had the coins evaluated yet. I wasn’t sure if it was worth the investment upfront, but now I’m leaning towards it to ensure I’m not buying a fake. I’ll definitely do that!
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I’ve had mixed experiences with 1937-D sales. My best advice is to look at the eye appeal of the coin. Sometimes a coin graded as Very Fine can still look stunning if it has beautiful toning. Always trust your gut! And hey, never underestimate a good seller’s story; they make the transaction more fun!
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Excellent points, CoinExpert123! I remember buying my first 3-leg nickel from an online auction, and the pictures made it look flawless. Once I received it, I was disappointed to find it had a significant scratch that wasn’t noted. Always ask for multiple angles of the coin and for sellers to describe any flaws listed. Good luck with your hunt, @CoinFanatic89!
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I’ve sold a few 1937-D 3-legs, and I’ve found that many buyers can be quite particular! Be prepared for questions about the coin’s history and grading—it’s a great way to build rapport, plus it might yield some negotiations! And yes, I can echo the importance of clear pictures as they can really make or break a deal.
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So many good experiences and some bad ones! Comic relief here: I bought a “rare” 3-leg from a yard sale for a dollar, only to find out later it was a replica! 
Always do your research before jumping in! @CoinFanatic89, it pays to arm yourself with knowledge.
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Haha, WittyCollector! That’s a classic! I definitely don’t want to end up with a replica, so I appreciate all this advice and humor!
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Absolutely! The negotiation part can be quite tricky. Understand the market price and have a figure in mind before you start. It also helps to share the story of how you came across the coin—it can make the seller more willing to negotiate! Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested. Good luck to you, @CoinFanatic89!
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Hey everyone! I’ve just had a great experience selling my 1937-D 3-leg after getting it graded at NGC. It was worth every penny, as the increase in perceived value was significant! Just a heads-up: don’t skip the grading process as it builds buyer confidence and can elevate your sale price! @CoinFanatic89, consider grading your coins for a better transaction. See more info at NGC!
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