Hey everyone! So, I’ve been in a bit of a dilemma lately. A buddy of mine is keen on trading his 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo nickel for my 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar. I’ve done some research, and it seems the 3-legged variety can command a pretty good price, especially in decent condition. I’ve seen them go for upwards of $500 in Uncirculated grades, while my Walker, even in good shape, probably hovers around $20-25.
That said, I’m feeling a bit uneasy about this trade. Even though I love Walkers, it’s hard to ignore the rarity and desirability of the 3-legged. It’s definitely a prized piece in the nickel world! Plus, I’m curious about the potential grading condition of his coin. It’s been circulated, but the specifics are a little fuzzy from what he mentioned. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what factors I should consider before making the swap.
What do you think? Is there a fair way to assess value beyond just market prices? Should I ask for cash on top of the coin? I’m really interested in hearing your experiences with trading coins in your collection! Thanks in advance for your insights!
Hey CoinAdventurer82,
It’s great that you’re doing your research before making this trade! The 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo nickel is indeed a sought-after coin, particularly in better grades. If the coin is in at least Fine condition, it could be valued at around $500 or more, depending on specific characteristics like strike quality and toning.
- Check for proper grading labels from trusted sources like PCGS or NGC.
- Confirm the actual condition of the coin – if it’s heavily circulated, it could rate lower.
- Don’t undervalue your own 1942 Walker, even if it’s worth less; it’s a beautiful coin in its own right!
Also, consider if adding cash to the trade could balance it out, depending on his coin’s condition. If you’re uncertain, it might be worth consulting a local coin dealer for their insights on both coins’ values. Hope this helps!
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Thanks for the detailed response, CoinExpert99! I appreciate the list of factors to consider. I will definitely check with PCGS to see what they say about grading.
Good point about the cash on my side as well; maybe I should ask my friend how much he values the condition his 3-legged nickel is in so we can figure this out fairly.
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Hey there!
Just a heads-up, the 3-legged nickels can vary significantly in value. If your friend’s 1937-D is in Good or Very Good condition, you might want to reconsider the trade. Not to mention, every collector values different designs. Walkers are iconic, and many collectors love them for their artistic aspect. Is your Walker in a specific grade? If you think it’s in the higher tiers of AU or MS grades, it might makes sense to hold onto it unless the deal is extremely good.
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Good point, NumismaticNerd! My Walker is probably in XF condition. I never thought about how much that could impact the value. I’ll ask my friend if we can both get our coins graded to get a clearer picture before trading.
Thanks for the insight!
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Hey CoinAdventurer82!
Just to chime in, I think the trade is a little lopsided. The 3-legged Buffalo has a significant collector base, while the 1942 Walker, while gorgeous, isn’t quite in the same league. If you feel uneasy, trust that instinct — maybe ask for not just cash but a couple of other coins or collectibles to balance the trade. Always better to have your bases covered!
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Thanks, CoinFanatic77! I like your suggestion about asking for other coins too. I wonder if he has any additional pieces lying around that I could use to make it fairer. I’ll keep all this advice in mind!
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Quick joke: Why did the coin collector break up with their significant other? They just couldn’t find common currency! But seriously, keep your gut feeling about the trade. If it doesn’t feel right, wait for a better offer!
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Haha, CollectorJoke! I love that! Thanks for the laugh and the reassurance. You’re right; I’ll trust my instincts. There’s always another coin to trade for!
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Just a final thought!
Have you thought about any recent auction prices for the 1937-D 3-legged? Prices fluctuate wildly depending on market demand, and it might be worth checking out some auction and price guide sites. Documenting the recent sales will give you a stronger position in your negotiations.
Good luck!
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