Numismatic

1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel VF-30 NGC

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The 1937 Buffalo nickel minted in Denver holds a legendary status among United States coinage due to a fascinating production mishap. While the obverse features the classic, rugged profile of a Native American facing right with the inscription of liberty and the date, the reverse side reveals a famous anomaly. On the reverse, a majestic bison stands upon a raised mound, but one of its front legs is entirely missing. This striking three-legged appearance was not an intentional design change, but rather the result of an over-polished die at the mint. In an effort to remove marks or imperfections from the metal die, workers accidentally polished away the detail of the animal's right front leg, creating one of the most celebrated error coins in American history. Struck in a composition of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel, this particular specimen has been certified in Very Fine 30 (VF-30) condition. It stands as a captivating example of how a simple maintenance mistake at the Denver Mint could produce a lasting numismatic wonder.