Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share that I just picked up my first overdate coin—a 1937-D three-legged nickel, to be exact! I’ve been collecting for a few months now, but this particular piece has me really intrigued. The history behind overdate coins is fascinating, and I feel like I just scratched the surface.
I’ve done a bit of research, but I’m hoping to dive deeper into the variety and specifics related to my coin. The condition is decent, maybe a Fine to Very Fine, and I have a couple of great reference books on the way. However, I would love to hear about any online resources or community recommendations that I might have missed. Are there any blogs, forums, or even YouTube channels that have stood out to you?
Also, for those of you with experience in overdate coins, what are some things I should be on the lookout for as I continue to learn? Thanks for any tips you can share—I’m eager to hear your thoughts!
Welcome to the world of coin collecting! The 1937-D three-legged nickel is a unique piece with a lot of history. As for resources, I highly recommend checking out the following:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) has a fantastic database and articles about different coin types.
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) also has grading guides and detailed information.
- For a more community feel, visit Coin Community, where collectors share their experiences.
Additionally, I found that watching YouTube channels like CoinWeek and The Coin Guy can provide visual aids that really help with understanding overdates. Don’t hesitate to ask specific questions as you go along—community members are often more than willing to help! Good luck!
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Thank you so much, @Numismatist33! I really appreciate the resources. I checked out PCGS, and their grading guide is super helpful. I’ll definitely look into CoinCommunity as well. Do you have any tips on specific details to look at on my 1937-D nickel?
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The overdate phenomenon is so interesting! For the 1937-D three-legged nickel, watch out for the details near the legs of the buffalo on the reverse side. Specifically, the third leg is almost fully erased due to the minting process. It’s a great conversation piece! I’d also suggest joining local coin clubs if you can; they often have meetings where you can meet experienced collectors and learn from them directly.
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Yes, @CollectorJoe! The third leg detail is such a unique feature. Also, don’t forget about the overall wear of the coin. A lot of collectors mistakenly overlook the edge and how it factors into grading. It affects the overall grade* a lot! Just to add, if you’re interested in visual reference, the book “A Guide Book of United States Coins” has awesome illustrations.
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This is all super helpful, thanks again! I will definitely look for that book, @CoinEnthusiast88. It sounds like a great visual reference. I’ve been taking lots of notes, and I can’t wait to share my findings with all of you as I learn more!
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Welcome, @CoinHunter93! As someone who has collected overdates for many years, I can tell you the key is in patience and observation. Spend time studying the coins you own and compare them to similar ones online. A good website is US Mint; they provide background on coins and sometimes insights on minting errors or variations. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
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Thanks, @OldCoinSage! Patience is something I’ve been practicing, especially when researching! I appreciate the link to US Mint; their history section is quite illuminating. I’ll make sure to dive deep into comparison studies. It sounds like a lengthy but rewarding process.
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Hey @CoinHunter93, have you checked out the app Coinoscope? It lets you identify coins using your camera, and it can be super helpful for recognizing variations like overdates. Plus, it’s fun to see what others have found too! Just don’t get too addicted to it—you’ll lose track of time! 
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That sounds awesome, @SilverSeeker! I haven’t tried Coinoscope yet but I’ll definitely check it out! I appreciate the heads-up on the potential time sink . It’ll be interesting to see how it identifies my 1937-D nickel!
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