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The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel in Very Good condition is one of the most iconic and widely recognized error coins in American numismatics. Struck at the Denver Mint during the final years of the Buffalo nickel series, this distinctive variety was the result of an over-polished die that inadvertently removed part of the bison’s front right leg from the reverse design. The result is a coin with a comical yet fascinating appearance—what looks like a three-legged buffalo—an error that captivated collectors from the time of its discovery and remains a cornerstone of error coin collecting today. Despite being the product of a mistake, the 1937-D Three-Leg remains one of the most sought-after varieties of the 20th century.
The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was introduced in 1913 and was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. Fraser, who had grown up on the frontier during the waning days of the American West, created a coin that embodied rugged American spirit and heritage. The obverse features a composite portrait of a Native American man, modeled from several real individuals, including Iron Tail and Two Moons. The reverse showcases a majestic American bison, often assumed to have been modeled after Black Diamond, a buffalo at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. The bold, realistic designs of both sides made the Buffalo nickel one of the most beloved coins in American history.
The obverse of the 1937-D Buffalo nickel displays the profile of a Native American facing right. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed along the upper right rim, and the date “1937” is prominently displayed on the lower left portion of the field, just in front of the neck. On Very Good examples, the date remains readable, though typically with some flattening, and the profile of the Native American shows significant wear. Details such as hair braids, facial features, and the feather in the headdress are noticeably worn, though the general shape of the design remains intact. The eye and jawline are still identifiable, offering a glimpse into the strength of Fraser’s original sculpture even under the effects of circulation.
The reverse of the coin features the famous standing buffalo, facing left. On the normal issue, all four legs of the buffalo are clearly visible. However, on the 1937-D Three-Leg variety, the front right leg is completely missing due to excessive die polishing—an attempt by Mint workers to remove clash marks from the die that ended up removing part of the design. In Very Good condition, this missing leg is still very noticeable, as the area where the leg should be is unusually flat and smooth, and the coin's reverse takes on an almost ghostly asymmetry. The remaining three legs—especially the foreleg on the viewer’s left—show wear but remain distinguishable, which is key to identifying the error even in lower grades.
Adding to the variety’s appeal is the fact that it was struck at the Denver Mint, which had a reputation for sharp strikes but also for occasional errors during this era. The Denver “D” mintmark can be found beneath the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. In Very Good condition, the mintmark is typically visible, though it may be soft or slightly blended with the field depending on wear. The “FIVE CENTS” denomination itself is generally legible in this grade, although the letters may be weak or partially merged with the coin’s rim. On some VG specimens, slight flattening may occur on the edges of the coin, but the unique error characteristics remain unmistakable.
The total mintage of all 1937-D Buffalo nickels was 17,826,000 coins. However, only a small fraction of those were struck with the three-legged error die, and exact figures remain unknown. The error was likely discovered relatively early during the coin's distribution, meaning fewer were released into circulation compared to standard issues. As such, the 1937-D Three-Leg has long been considered a semi-key to key date variety in the Buffalo nickel series. Its accidental creation and quick disappearance from production contribute significantly to its rarity and desirability among collectors. Because of its limited population, even examples in well-circulated grades like Very Good are highly valued and eagerly pursued.
In Very Good condition, the 1937-D Three-Leg Buffalo nickel displays heavy wear from years of use, yet retains the key design features necessary for identification and appreciation. On the obverse, the portrait of the Native American is worn smooth in many areas, especially around the cheekbone and headdress, but the outline of the face and head remains visible. The date “1937” is generally intact and readable, albeit sometimes faint or blending into the surrounding field. The rims may be incomplete or merged into the design due to circulation, but enough remains to give the coin a clear frame and structure.
On the reverse, the unique missing leg is clearly evident despite overall surface wear. The three remaining legs are visible to varying degrees, and a careful examination reveals the tell-tale signs of the die polish that caused the error. The buffalo’s body, hump, and tail are often worn smooth in VG coins, and the surface may display scratches, nicks, or other signs of use. Nonetheless, the error is still prominent and the coin’s status as a Three-Leg variety is unmistakable. Collectors often look for remnants of the “ground line” under the buffalo’s body, which helps confirm authenticity even in lower grades.
The coin’s coloration in Very Good condition typically ranges from medium to dark gray, sometimes with brownish or golden overtones due to natural toning from years of handling. Cleaning is unfortunately common with older circulated coins, and examples with original patina and even wear are far more desirable. Problem-free VG coins with attractive toning and clear detail are highly sought after and often command strong premiums relative to their grade. As with all popular varieties, authentication by a reputable third-party grading service is strongly recommended to ensure legitimacy and avoid counterfeits or altered coins.
The appeal of the 1937-D Three-Leg Buffalo nickel transcends its grade. While uncirculated and higher-grade examples are widely admired, coins in more modest conditions like Very Good offer collectors a tangible and affordable connection to one of the most intriguing minting errors in U.S. history. They reflect both the everyday circulation of American coinage and the sometimes imperfect process of mint production. Even after more than 85 years, the 1937-D Three-Leg continues to spark curiosity and admiration for its accidental uniqueness and its place in the story of 20th-century American coinage.
The 1937-D Three-Leg Buffalo Nickel in Very Good condition is a rare and exciting error coin with immense historical charm. As a mistake that turned into a legend, it showcases how even small oversights in minting can result in lasting treasures. Despite its circulated state, a VG specimen still captures the imagination of collectors and tells the tale of America’s westward identity, artistic coin design, and the enduring legacy of one of the most beloved coin series ever minted. For those who appreciate character, rarity, and historical narrative, the Three-Leg nickel remains an indispensable part of the American numismatic journey.