Numismatic

1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel AU-58 NGC

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The 1937 Buffalo nickel minted in Denver holds a legendary status among numismatists due to a dramatic and unexpected production error. While the coin was intended to showcase a complete, powerful bison on its reverse, a specific mishap during the die-preparation process altered this imagery forever. Because of excessive polishing of the coin die, the front leg of the bison was completely erased, leaving the animal standing on three legs. James Earle Fraser designed this classic piece of American currency, which is composed of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. The obverse features a detailed profile of a Native American chief, accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the year 1937. On the reverse, the famous three-legged bison stands atop a raised mound, surrounded by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. This particular specimen is graded About Uncirculated 58 (AU-58), preserving the fine details of Fraser's iconic artwork and the distinct, celebrated minting error that makes this issue so intriguing to study.