Is this a 3 leg 1937-D buffalo nickel?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by coinsearch, Nov 17, 2011.

  1. coinsearch

    coinsearch Member

    I believe this is a genuine coin. The part of the leg that is missing varies slightly from pictures I have seen of the real thing. Is this a genuine example of a 3 leg 1937-D buffalo nickel?

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  3. McBlzr

    McBlzr Sr Professional Collector

    I don't have a close-up of mine, but that looks removed to me :(

    3_Legger_P1020594 (600 x 450).jpg
     
  4. coinsearch

    coinsearch Member

    yeah, i can't see that very well but I have seen the picture in the Cherry Picker's guide and looked at examples online.
     
  5. Merc Crazy

    Merc Crazy Bumbling numismatic fool

    Reeks of a fake to me.
     
  6. McBlzr

    McBlzr Sr Professional Collector

    There is a very good thread here somewhere, but I can't seem to find it very quickly. It has some great pics of real & fakes of the 3 legger.

    EDIT:

    Try this thread... >>>> http://www.cointalk.com/t63603/#post652330
     
  7. If they still made that design coin today it would have no legs at all.Our money today dosent have a leg to stand on..Your coin was at a time when our money just needed proping up it could stand almost on its own.
     
  8. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Yep I agree it seems to be a fake.
     
  9. iGradeMS70

    iGradeMS70 AKA BustHalfBrian

    The obscured details and odd rim seperations make me lean towards thinking it's fake, but to be sure, have it checked out my your local coin dealer or a well-respected senior collector in your area. Seeing the coin in-hand makes all the difference. :)

    -Brian
     
  10. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor

    The obverse of the 3-legged buffalo also had some significant markers, along with the reverse. Fakes usually concentrate on the reverse and not the obverse. All markers have to be present
    --arrows:

    1. Notice the forehead of the Indian
    2. The separation of the second feather ( this occurs in other non-3L also)
    3. Rough area at back of neck
    4. Rough area in front of braid
    5. Die break ( bottom arrow)
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    I forget if I included this photo in Coin Ed 103 thread but notice how the top of the hoof is like an elongated triangle, whereas most fakes are straight. Also the stream of "pee" is in the wrong position.
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  11. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    not just a removed leg, the entire coin is fake
     
  12. giorgio11

    giorgio11 Senior Numismatist

    No way is it real. I usually look at the bison's back leg, it has a skinny, moth-eaten appearance on the real deal. And the obverse die crack is missing. There are tons of markers on both sides that are missing. From a Heritage writeup a few years ago, an MS66 PCGS that sold for more than $80,000:

    "Just a single pair of dies was used to strike this variety. Among the many key diagnostics to look for on a genuine coin are these:

    Obverse: Rust pits, flaws, and die crack. Although few of the references mention it, this issue always shows patches of roughness on the obverse, apparently created from die rust. One patch is on the top of the Indian's neck, just below the juncture with the hair. Another shows to the left of the longest feather about midway down, in the hair. Other patches are just above the obverse rim at 6 o'clock, and on the front of the neck, beneath the jawline. A small die crack runs southeast through this patch, with a small, comma-shaped lump near its lowest point.
    Reverse: Beard, hoof and leg, die lumps, spindly rear leg. The reverse of a genuine 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo also has numerous diagnostics that are easy to spot. The buffalo's beard is pointed, and longer on the right (facing) side than the left. Although a Mint employee removed the front leg with an emery board, the hoof is still present. There is a stream of raised die lumps running downward between the front and rear legs. The rear right leg of the buffalo has a spindly, sickly look, as does the hoof on the other rear leg. The overall buffalo is a bit smaller than normal, and there are heavy metal flow lines at various points."
     
  13. kookoox10

    kookoox10 ANA #3168546

    Looks to be a genuine fake to me also. The removed leg looks too cleanly cut out to fool anyone. Do you see my daughter's initials on there? Because I'm pretty sure she could do something like this. Sorry to be so harsh, hope you didn't have to pay anything substantial for it.
     
  14. illini420

    illini420 1909 Collector


    Agreed. 100% fake coin.

    If you did buy it from a coin dealer, take it back and get your money back. Most legit coin dealers will give you money back if they sell you a fake.
     
  15. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Fake, without a doubt.
     
  16. coinsearch

    coinsearch Member

  17. McBlzr

    McBlzr Sr Professional Collector

  18. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Good to know the auction and seller. Desertgem made an excellent post.

    My favorite dealer growing up had a set of four 3 legged 37d's. Each had a different leg missing. His jeweler friend removed them on 3 of the coins, the fourth being an authentic type. He said he did it because he was simply amazed how a little publicity can turn a coin from a defective, poor quality mint product into something desirable. He felt the same about 22 plain cents. He had a world class reference collection of both buffalo's and wheat cents, (wheat cents complete in red and probably 65+ if graded today), but refused to have either coin in his sets.

    I think maybe that is why I simply view both coins today as inferior strikes and not really worthy of collecting. I know I am in the minority, but I prefer to chase exceptional coins, not defective ones.

    Chris
     
    longshot likes this.
  19. Collector1966

    Collector1966 Senior Member

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