The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most beloved error coins in American numismatics. Aggressive die polishing removed the buffalo's front leg from the reverse, leaving only a hoof floating above the ground line. Even circulated examples are worth $400 to $1,500.
Look at the buffalo on the reverse. On a normal 1937-D nickel the buffalo stands on four legs. On the Three-Legged variety, the buffalo's front right leg is missing — only a hoof remains, slightly above the ground line. The chest area is also slightly recessed where the leg used to be.
A mint employee polished the reverse die to remove clash marks (impressions left when dies strike each other without a planchet between them). The polishing was so aggressive that it removed the buffalo's leg from the die. All affected coins came from this single die.
A heavily worn 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel sells for $400 to $700. Mid-grade examples bring $1,000 to $2,500. Uncirculated specimens regularly cross $5,000 to $20,000 depending on grade.
Common fakes include genuine 1937-D Buffalo nickels with the front leg removed by hand. Authentic Three-Legged examples have the missing leg PLUS the recessed chest area and a series of die polish lines on the reverse. Authentication is essential before purchase.
A mint employee polished the reverse die too aggressively to remove clash marks, accidentally removing the buffalo's front leg from the die.
Circulated examples sell for $400 to $2,500. Uncirculated specimens cross $5,000 to $20,000 depending on grade.
Authentic examples show a recessed chest area where the leg used to be, plus die polish lines on the reverse. Always have candidates authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
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