Lot 1398
1937-D. 3 Legs. PCGS graded MS-66. Lovely golden toning. A popular date and rare in this grade. This popular Buffalo Nickel has been a favorite with collectors for all intents and purposes since the time of production. "As early as 1937-1938, C. L. 'Cowboy' Franzen was offering examples for sale in The Numismatic Scrapbook," writes numismatic scholar Q. David Bowers. "Whether or not he was the first person to discover the '37-D Three-Legged Nickel we do not know. What we do know is that the main distribution area for these error coins seems to have been somewhere in Montana. This is unfortunate since coin collectors were quite rare in the Northwest at that time, and most examples acquired at least light wear before being set aside. As such, the majority of coins offered in today's market are circulated to one degree or another, and the '37-D 3-Legged remains rare in Mint State."
At the upper reaches of Condition Census standing for the issue, this exquisite Gem MS66 is, simply put, among the finest examples of this 20th century error that we have ever offered. The luster is uncommonly brilliant beneath the lovely toning, with a satiny texture to the surfaces. Both sides are well detailed beneath an overlay of balanced warm golden to nickel-blue and pale lavender patina.
Diagnostics of the reverse die that all genuine 1937-D 3-Legged Nickels display: (1) A series of raised lumps curving toward the ground from the top of the bison's left rear leg (2) A pointed beard on the bison with the right tip longer than the left (3) Thin and roughly textured rear legs on the bison (4) A smaller bison than typically seen on regular 1937-D Nickels.
In the same fashion as the almost unknown 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs variety, the '37-D 3-Legged was created by overzealous polishing of the die to remove clashmarks. According to Breen, the culprit for the latter error is one Mr. Young, a recently hired coiner at the Denver Mint. Pop 6; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 3982) Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000
The Gerald Forsythe Duplicate Buffalo Nickel Collection.
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