Hey everyone! I wanted to share my recent find at a local flea market—a 1937-D 3-legged buffalo nickel, all for just $20! I was over the moon when I spotted it in a little case among some modern coins. I’ve done a bit of research and know these can be quite valuable depending on their condition, but I’m not quite sure how to assess the quality of mine.
The coin looks to be in decent shape with some wear, but I’m still trying to gauge what a fair market price really is. From what I’ve seen online, prices can vary wildly, depending on where you look. Some listings I’ve checked out are asking for $40 to $200 based on condition and whether they’re graded. Have I scored a great deal, or should I have pushed for a lower price?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have any of you come across such a coin, and how did you handle negotiations at flea markets? What typical market values have you seen for the 1937-D 3-legged nickel? Let’s get the discussion rolling!
Congratulations on your find! The 1937-D 3-legged buffalo nickel is indeed a precious treasure in the coin collecting world. As for pricing, it’s a bit tricky. If your coin is in Good condition, the market value could range from around $60 to $100. However, uncirculated examples can easily exceed $200! Since you got yours for $20, that sounds like a steal, especially if it’s in decent shape. I’d recommend checking it out under magnification to assess the wear more clearly. If you’re looking to sell it, I suggest you get it graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC to get the true market value. Good luck, and enjoy your coin collecting journey!
5 Likes
Wow, that’s an awesome find! Personally, I think you did great by getting it for $20. I’ve seen these coins listed at varying prices, but generally, if it’s not graded yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could sell it for at least $50-75. Just make sure to check for key details like the three legs (since that’s the main feature!). Have you thought about getting it graded yet? It might help establish its value more clearly.
3 Likes
Thanks for the insights, @NumisNerd123! I’m really excited about this coin. I’ll definitely check the wear more closely and consider getting it graded. What’s the process like for that? Is it worth it if I only plan to keep it?
2 Likes
Getting your coin graded can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re passionate about your collection! The process generally takes a few weeks and can cost anywhere from $25 to $100 depending on the service you choose. If your coin is valuable, having it graded can enhance its appeal if you ever decide to sell. If you plan to keep it long-term, grading can add some protection against potential damage. What condition are you thinking it might be in?
1 Like
I remember finding a 1937-D 3-legged coin too! It was in a lot of other nickels. I ended up flipping it for $120 after grading it! So yes, you definitely got a good deal. Keep an eye out for that bidding price to help gauge your future finds! It sounds like this could be the start of a wonderful collection!
4 Likes
That’s an incredible score, @CoinHustler88! If the wear isn’t too noticeable, I’d say hold onto it for now. The value might actually appreciate over time! Have you checked out the prices on Overstock or other auction sites? They can give you a fair idea of current market conditions.
2 Likes
I love 3-leg buffalo nickels! I’ve collected a few over the years. The lower the grade, the cheaper they are, but even in lower VG to F, they can command decent prices. Just keep in mind the demand can fluctuate depending on the market. If you’re patient, you could get a good return if you decide to sell down the line.
3 Likes
Thanks for the comments, @OldSchoolCoins! Your experience is really helpful. I think it might be lower grade, but I’ll have to look closer. All this talk about the coin has me considering starting a dedicated collection!
3 Likes
Good score! Just for fun, I’d say offer $15 next time to negotiate! I used to do that, and sometimes it works like a charm. But with finds like this, just make sure you pick it up before someone else spots it! Any potential duplicates in your local market?
2 Likes
Haha, @CoinGuru88! I might try that next time. I’ve gotten lucky with some finds around here. It’ll be fun to see what I can unearth during my next market visit.
1 Like