Some coins are just so cool that you reach a point in your collecting career where you say to yourself–“I have to have one.” The Buffalo nickel is one of those coins, especially when it is a spectacular error such as the Three-Legged 1937-D.
Struck from polished dies as a result of, dare I say, “an expedient die crack fix,” the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel joins the 1955 Double Die Lincoln cent as one of the most iconic mint errors of the 20th century.
In terms of such storied coins, the 1937-D is relatively plentiful and affordable in circulated grades. NGC and PCGS total populations are a combined 18,000 coins with retail price range estimates from $400 to $3,000 up to MS- 60. Because the error was slow to catch on, Mint State examples command relatively high premiums. High grade circulated examples, therefore, present an excellent entry point and we are pleased to present an appealing AU-55 example in our October 9 Collectors Choice Online Auction of U.S. coins.
As you might expect, the coin has invited innumerable attempts at alteration and counterfeiting, most fairly clumsy. NGC has an excellent guide for the beginner:
https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/13006/counterfeit-detection-three-legged-nickel-outright-fake
Purchasing uncertified examples should be done on a caveat emptor basis. Given the detail needed to determine a valid example, third party graded coins are highly recommended.
To view all lots in the October 9 Collectors Choice Online auction visit StacksBowers.com. For information about consigning to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries showcase or online auction call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.
