1937-D 5C Three-Legged MS65 PCGS....

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Sold on Sep 17, 2008 for:

$43,125.00 Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder

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Magnificent 1937-D Three Legged Gem Nickel

1937-D 5C Three-Legged MS65 PCGS. The 1937-D Three-Legged nickel is one of the more significant varieties in American numismatics. It is especially noteworthy when a Gem-quality piece appears for sale; most offerings are in the Very Fine to lower-level Mint State grade range. The present MS65 example should therefore elicit considerable bidder interest.
The Three-Legged variety was caused by excessive die polishing to remove clash marks and/or die erosion furrows. David Lange, in his Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels reference, writes that these disfigurements, when discovered, usually result in die replacement. In the case of the '37-D, however, the urgency of completing a coinage run precluded this customary practice. Lange cites Breen, who recounts that a mint employee, in the course of grinding off evidence of clashing, also removed the element of lowest relief in the die, the bison's right foreleg between hoof and thigh. This went unnoticed until the coins had already been distributed to banks.
Iridescent multicolored toning bathes the radiantly lustrous surfaces of this magnificent Gem, and an attentive strike leaves strong definition on the design elements, including the braid, horn, and tail. Both sides are nicely preserved, with no mentionable abrasions or spots. Population: 45 in 65, 4 finer (8/08).(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 3982, Greysheet# 3145)

Weight: 5.00 grams

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

View Certification Details from PCGS