1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel
recently I have seen quite a few fake 1937-D 3 legged buffalo nickels. So here are my 5 diagnostics into determining if a 1937-D 3 legged Buffalo nickel is real.
Neck of the indian
The top of the neck on the indian will look really bumpy and mossy. It won't be smooth like the rest of the neck.
The missing leg
Look at where the leg is supposed to be and look for tool marks like a dremel, or file. The hoof of the buffalo will still be there in a genuine coin.
The buffalo
The body of a genuine 3 legged buffalo nickel will be significantly smaller than a regular buffalo nickel. One of the funnier ways to spot a genuine nickel (Usually in BU or better) the buffalo looks like it's urinating.
Back Legs
The two back legs of the buffalo will look very bumpy and rigid like the top of the indians neck.
e pluribus unum
The P in pluribus and U in unum can’t be touching the buffalo.
Comments
Kepi
Level 6
Great blog! Thanks for the info!
Conan Barbarian
Level 5
thanks for the useful tips
"SUN"
Level 6
A very interesting variety.
Longstrider
Level 6
Good quick bullet points to look for. There are tons of fakes out there. I would, personally, stick with slabbed and still be careful. There are getting good at faking slabs. Thanks!
user_9073
Level 5
It has been a while since I have been looking at 3-legged buffalos. But I remember that when I was looking about half were altered coins.
Jin
Level 3
Great info thanks for posting
Mike
Level 7
Many collectors have or want this coin. The hobby magazines have the info on the counterfeits all the time. Or you can look them up in books. I always say books are the key to a good collection.Mike.
CoinLady
Level 6
These coins are quite popular. This info is needed. Thanks!