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The Certified Buffalo Nickel 1937-D 3 Legs AU55 NGC is a fascinating and highly collectible coin, famous for a striking minting error that resulted in the removal of one of the buffalo's legs on the reverse side. This coin is part of the iconic Buffalo Nickel series, which was minted from 1913 to 1938, designed by the acclaimed sculptor James Earle Fraser. The 1937-D 3 Legs variety is one of the most well-known and sought-after error coins in U.S. numismatics, making it a centerpiece in many collections. With its error, historical significance, and pleasing AU55 grade, this coin holds both aesthetic and monetary value.
The Buffalo Nickel series, officially called the Indian Head Nickel, was introduced in 1913 to replace the Liberty Head Nickel. Fraser's design was a departure from the traditional motifs used on earlier coins, featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison, commonly referred to as a buffalo, on the reverse. The goal of this design was to honor America’s cultural heritage and represent the rugged spirit of the American frontier. The Buffalo Nickel was praised for its artistic value but also criticized for the high relief and complexity of the design, which led to issues during production, such as the well-known 3 Legs error in 1937.
The obverse of the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, like all others in the series, features the portrait of a Native American chief. This profile was not based on one individual but is a composite of several Native American leaders, including Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux and Two Moons of the Cheyenne. Fraser’s intent was to depict a powerful and dignified representation of Indigenous peoples. The portrait includes intricate details, such as the hair, feathers, and facial features, giving the coin a lifelike quality. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed along the rim, with the date "1937" located in the lower right corner, just below the neck of the figure.
The reverse of the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is where the famous error is found. The design depicts an American bison standing on a raised mound. This bison, commonly referred to as a buffalo, was modeled after Black Diamond, a bison that lived in the Bronx Zoo in New York City. The engraving of the buffalo is rich in detail, capturing the muscular build and rough texture of its fur. However, in the case of the 1937-D 3 Legs variety, an overpolishing error occurred at the Denver Mint, which resulted in the removal of the front right leg of the buffalo. This error was caused by excessive die polishing, which was done to remove clash marks but inadvertently weakened the leg detail, leaving the bison with only three visible legs.
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with the 3 Legs error is a highly prized coin among collectors due to the rarity and prominence of the error. The Denver Mint struck approximately 17.8 million Buffalo Nickels in 1937, but only a small portion of those coins exhibit the 3 Legs error. The fact that this error occurred at the Denver Mint, as indicated by the "D" mintmark located below the mound on the reverse, adds to the coin’s scarcity and desirability. While regular Buffalo Nickels from 1937 are relatively common, the 3 Legs variety is much harder to find, especially in higher grades.
This particular coin is certified by NGC with a grade of AU55, which stands for About Uncirculated. Coins graded as AU55 exhibit slight wear on the highest points of the design but retain most of their original luster. The AU55 grade is highly appealing to collectors because it offers a balance between condition and affordability, providing a well-preserved example of the 3 Legs error without the premium price of a Mint State coin. The coin’s surfaces show light wear on the buffalo’s shoulder and head, as well as on the Native American’s cheekbone, but the overall details remain sharp and clear, making this coin a strong representation of the error.
The 1937-D 3 Legs Buffalo Nickel is not just a fascinating error coin—it also carries historical significance. The Buffalo Nickel series was one of the most popular and widely circulated coins of its time, with millions of people handling these coins in their daily lives. The series represents an important era in U.S. history, symbolizing both the romanticized American West and the transition into modern industrialized society. By the late 1930s, the Buffalo Nickel was nearing the end of its production, and in 1938, it was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel. The 1937-D 3 Legs variety thus stands as one of the final chapters in the history of the Buffalo Nickel, making it even more meaningful to collectors.
Because of its historical context, distinctive design, and the notoriety of the 3 Legs error, this 1937-D Buffalo Nickel remains one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics. Its certification by NGC ensures its authenticity and provides collectors with confidence in the coin’s quality and condition. The AU55 grade offers a high level of preservation, allowing the coin’s details to be appreciated while retaining a sense of history through its light circulation wear. For collectors of error coins, Buffalo Nickels, or U.S. coinage in general, the Certified 1937-D 3 Legs AU55 NGC is a remarkable addition to any collection, representing a blend of artistry, history, and numismatic rarity.