My Incredible Nickel Hunt Find: A 1937-D Buffalo Nickel!
Hey fellow coin enthusiasts! You won't believe what I just pulled during my latest nickel hunt. I'm so excited to share this incredible find with you all. Nickel hunting, for those who might be new to the game, is an awesome way to uncover hidden treasures and historical gems right in your pocket change. It's like a real-life treasure hunt, and the thrill of the search is just as rewarding as the finds themselves. Let's dive into the details of my exciting discovery and explore the world of nickel hunting!
The Thrill of the Hunt: Why Nickel Hunting?
Nickel hunting might sound like a niche hobby, but it's actually quite popular among coin collectors and history buffs alike. The reason is simple: nickels, particularly older ones, can hold significant historical and numismatic value. Think about it – nickels have been around for a long time, and over the years, different designs and compositions have been used. This means that each nickel you find has the potential to tell a story, whether it's a rare date, a unique mint mark, or even an error that makes it highly collectible.
Why do I love nickel hunting? First off, it's super accessible. You don't need any fancy equipment or a ton of money to get started. All you need is a little bit of patience, a keen eye, and access to some nickels – which, let's be honest, most of us have lying around in our change jars or wallets. Secondly, it’s incredibly rewarding. The feeling of sifting through a pile of nickels and finding a valuable coin is like striking gold. It’s a rush of excitement that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about history and numismatics. Each coin you find has a story to tell, and the more you hunt, the more you learn.
But what kind of treasures are we talking about? Well, the most sought-after nickels are the Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938) and the Jefferson Nickels (1938-present). Within these series, there are certain dates and mint marks that are particularly valuable. For example, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with a “three-legged” error is a famous and highly prized find. Similarly, some of the early Jefferson Nickels, especially those with the “full steps” designation, can be quite valuable. And let’s not forget about the wartime nickels (1942-1945) made with a silver alloy – these are always a thrill to find!
My Amazing Nickel Find: A Story of Perseverance
Now, let's get to the juicy part – my recent find! I've been on a bit of a nickel hunting streak lately, dedicating a few hours each week to sifting through rolls of nickels. I usually get my nickels from the bank, asking for rolls specifically. This increases my chances of finding older coins that might have been circulating for a while. On this particular day, I had gone through a few rolls with only minor finds – a few older Jefferson Nickels, but nothing too spectacular. I was starting to feel a little discouraged, but I knew that persistence is key in this hobby. You never know what the next coin might hold, so it’s important to keep at it.
As I started on a new roll, I decided to change up my strategy a bit. Instead of just quickly glancing at the dates, I started paying closer attention to the details – the mint marks, the condition of the coin, and any unusual features. This is a crucial part of successful nickel hunting. Sometimes, the most valuable coins are the ones that look a little different or have a subtle error that might be missed at first glance. It’s like being a detective, looking for clues that reveal the coin’s hidden value.
And then, it happened. About halfway through the roll, a coin caught my eye. It was a Buffalo Nickel, which immediately piqued my interest. Buffalo Nickels are always exciting to find because they’re older and often have a nice, worn look that tells a story of their journey through time. As I examined it more closely, I noticed something special about the date. It was a 1937-D, which is already a desirable date in the Buffalo Nickel series. But then I saw it – the telltale sign of the “three-legged” error. My heart skipped a beat!
Guys, finding a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with the three-legged error is a major score in the nickel hunting world. This error occurred because a die was over-polished, removing the front leg of the buffalo on the coin. The result is a distinctive and highly sought-after coin that can be worth a significant amount of money, especially in good condition. I couldn't believe my luck! I carefully set the coin aside and continued sorting through the rest of the roll, but my mind was already racing with excitement. I knew I had found something special, and I couldn't wait to learn more about it.
Identifying the Treasure: Key Features and Details
So, how did I know it was a genuine 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickel? There are a few key features to look for when identifying this error. First, you need to confirm that the date is indeed 1937 and that the mint mark is a “D,” indicating that it was minted in Denver. The mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, below the denomination (“FIVE CENTS”). Once you've confirmed the date and mint mark, the next step is to examine the buffalo's legs. On a genuine three-legged variety, the front right leg will be either partially or completely missing. This is the most obvious and distinctive feature of the error.
It’s important to note that there are other things that can make a coin appear to have a missing leg, such as wear or damage. That’s why it’s crucial to examine the coin closely and compare it to known examples of the three-legged variety. There are many resources available online and in coin collecting books that can help you identify this error. Photos and detailed descriptions can be invaluable in confirming your find. I personally used a combination of online resources and a trusted coin collecting guide to verify my discovery.
In addition to the missing leg, it's also worth noting the overall condition of the coin. The better the condition, the more valuable the coin is likely to be. However, even a worn three-legged Buffalo Nickel can be worth a considerable amount, so don’t dismiss a coin just because it’s not in pristine condition. The key is to identify the error first and then assess the condition to determine its potential value.
After carefully examining my find and comparing it to reference materials, I was confident that I had indeed found a genuine 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickel. The missing leg was clear, and the other details matched the descriptions of the error variety. I was absolutely thrilled with my discovery!
What's Next? Preserving and Appreciating Your Finds
So, what do you do after you've found a valuable coin? The first thing is to handle it with care. Coins can be easily damaged by fingerprints, scratches, and other environmental factors. It’s best to hold coins by the edges and avoid touching the surfaces as much as possible. If you plan to store the coin, use a protective holder or sleeve designed for coins. These holders will help prevent further damage and keep your coin in good condition.
Next, it’s a good idea to research the value of your coin. There are several ways to do this. You can check online coin price guides, consult with a coin dealer, or even submit the coin to a professional grading service. Grading services will assess the condition of the coin and assign it a grade, which can significantly impact its value. However, grading can be expensive, so it’s worth considering whether the potential increase in value justifies the cost.
In my case, I decided to do some initial research online to get a sense of the coin's value. I looked at recent auction results and price guides for 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickels in similar condition. This gave me a rough idea of what the coin might be worth. I also plan to take it to a local coin dealer for a professional appraisal. This will give me a more accurate assessment of its value and help me decide whether to submit it for grading.
But beyond the monetary value, it’s important to appreciate the historical significance of your finds. Each coin has a story to tell, and learning about the history behind it can make your discovery even more rewarding. The Buffalo Nickel, for example, is a beautiful and iconic coin that reflects a bygone era in American history. It was designed by James Earle Fraser and features a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. The coin was in circulation during a time of significant change and upheaval in the United States, and finding one today is like holding a piece of that history in your hand.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Nickel Hunting
Want to try your hand at nickel hunting? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started:
- Get your nickels from a variety of sources: Banks are a great place to start, but you can also ask local businesses or even check your own change jar. The more nickels you search through, the better your chances of finding something valuable.
- Look for specific dates and mint marks: As mentioned earlier, certain dates and mint marks are more valuable than others. Familiarize yourself with the key dates and mint marks for Buffalo Nickels and Jefferson Nickels.
- Pay attention to details: Examine each coin closely for errors, unusual features, and overall condition. Sometimes, the smallest details can make a big difference in value.
- Use reference materials: Coin collecting books and online resources can be invaluable tools for identifying and valuing your finds.
- Be patient and persistent: Nickel hunting can be a slow process, but the rewards are worth it. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something valuable right away. Keep searching, and you’re sure to find something exciting eventually.
Final Thoughts: The Joys of Nickel Hunting
Nickel hunting is more than just a hobby – it’s a passion. It’s a way to connect with history, challenge yourself, and experience the thrill of the hunt. And, of course, it’s a chance to find some valuable coins along the way. My recent find of the 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickel is a perfect example of the excitement and rewards that nickel hunting can offer. It’s a coin I’ll treasure for years to come, not just for its monetary value, but for the story it tells and the joy it brought me.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a handful of nickels and start hunting! You never know what treasures might be hiding in your pocket change. Happy hunting, guys, and I can't wait to hear about your incredible finds!
