She Found $2.9 Million 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel in a Coin Jar

In a peaceful neighborhood in Ohio, what began as a simple spring-cleaning task quickly transformed into a discovery that’s now making waves across the numismatic community.

While sorting through a collection of coins left behind by her late grandfather, one woman uncovered a hidden treasure: an extremely rare 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel—later estimated to be worth an eye-popping $2.9 million.

A Coin Not Meant to Be

The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel isn’t your average coin—it’s considered one of the most iconic minting mistakes in U.S. history. Produced at the Denver Mint, this unusual variety is missing the front right leg of the buffalo, a defect caused by excessive polishing of the die during the minting process.

Experts believe that fewer than 10,000 of these flawed coins made it into circulation before the issue was caught, and even fewer exist today in well-preserved condition. Coming across one in a household coin stash is the kind of extraordinary event most collectors only fantasize about.

A Family Heirloom Hiding a Million-Dollar Surprise

The woman, who chose to remain anonymous to protect her privacy, shared that she almost overlooked the coin entirely. “It looked kind of strange—the buffalo seemed to be missing a leg,” she recalled. “I was about to toss it back in the jar, but something about the 1937 date made me stop and look again.”

Out of curiosity, she took the coin to a nearby coin shop. The moment the dealer saw it, he recognized its potential rarity and encouraged her to have it professionally graded. When the coin returned authenticated and graded in near-mint condition, the full magnitude of her find began to dawn on her.

A Valuation That Defies Belief

After being certified by a leading grading organization, the coin was appraised at around $2.9 million—thanks to its rare error, exceptional state, and historical significance. Industry professionals stress how rare it is to discover such a valuable coin casually tucked away in a personal collection, especially in such pristine shape.

“There are only a few known to exist in this grade,” one numismatic expert commented. “The fact that it sat unnoticed in a coin jar for years without being damaged makes this discovery even more remarkable.”

Why the 1937-D 3-Legged Nickel Is So Prized

This particular nickel is coveted not only for its minting flaw but also for its cultural and historical value. The Buffalo Nickel series, struck from 1913 to 1938, remains one of the most admired American coin designs ever produced. The 3-legged version was only struck in 1937 at the Denver Mint, and since its discovery, collectors have been searching for this variant with great determination.

Minting errors like this one offer a fascinating glimpse into the imperfections of the minting process—mistakes that are quickly corrected, making surviving examples exceptionally rare. The missing leg on the buffalo isn’t just a curiosity; it’s one of the most visually dramatic mint errors ever made.

Could There Be More Hidden Gems in Everyday Change?

This once-in-a-lifetime discovery has reignited interest in coin collecting, even among casual enthusiasts. Families are now giving their old jars of change a second look, hoping they too might stumble upon something extraordinary.

“If you’ve got coins lying around, don’t ignore them,” the woman advised. “I nearly discarded what turned out to be a three-million-dollar coin.” Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that you never know what treasures may be quietly sitting in your home.

Final Reflections

Stories like this don’t just stir excitement—they inspire hope. They prove that priceless treasures aren’t always locked away in vaults or buried underground. Sometimes, they’re hidden in plain sight, waiting for a curious eye and a little bit of luck. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply cleaning out a drawer, it might be worth taking a closer look. That strange-looking nickel just might change your life.