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Description

Three-Legged 1937-D Buffalo Nickel
Rarely Seen at the Gem Level

1937-D 5C Three-Legged MS65 NGC. FS-901. Die clashing in U.S. coinage is a well-known phenomenon to serious numismatists. Many Seated Liberty coins in particular show clashing, although Morgan dollars, Shield nickels, three cent silvers, three cent nickels, and other series are known for them as well. In the Buffalo nickel series, some issues such as the 1913-S Type Two are so well-known for a particular clash that they are called the "bearded Indian" variety, from a reverse die clash of E PLURIBUS UNUM beneath the Indian's chin.
The Three-Legged Buffalo was created from clashed dies as well, a phenomenon where the feeder for a coin blank fails to insert it into the press, and the dies come together without an intervening planchet. Each die thus receives a partial impression from the other. The fourth leg of the Three-Legged Buffalo was effaced by a mint worker trying to cover evidence of previous die clashing. While obviously we do not know how the clashing appeared before the "repair," it is safe to say that in this case the cure was worse than the disease. On this particular coin, there is a complete disconnect between the bison's hoof and upper portion of the foreleg.
The surfaces of this Gem exude lovely soft mint frost, and the striking details are far superior than usually seen. Each side displays a significant overlay of ice-blue and just a bit of slight reddish patina, and there are no mentionable marks on either side. Census: 55 in 65, 18 finer (4/11).(Registry values: N4719)

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

Weight: 5.00 grams

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel


View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

Auction Dates
June, 2011
2nd-5th Thursday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 18
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,795

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Jun 2, 2011 for: $20,700.00
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