This applies to the 1937-D (Denver) Buffalo Nickel, which recently sold on eBay for a total of $2,996.00.
Most importantly, the coin is an example of a three-legged Buffalo nickel, which happens to be one of the most notable error pieces in history.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
In 1937, thousands of Buffalo Nickels at the Denver mint were mistakenly minted with the Buffalo missing one of its legs.
“The 1937-D 3 Legs variety resulted from over-zealous polishing of a worn reverse die. The front foreleg was almost completely removed and the back leg developed a “moth-eaten” appearance,” said Ron Guth at expert coin rating agency PCGS.
While the mistake was quickly discovered, most of the coins were already released.
“The 1937-D “three-legged” Buffalo nickel is one of the most famous and most important coins of the 20th century. It is arguably the classic Buffalo nickel,” added David Hall, co-founder of PCGS.
Just 10,000 in grades have reportedly survived.
Along with the missing leg, which can be found on the reverse, the 1937 date can be found on the obverse next on the bottom left.
The D mintmark can be found on the opposite side right under the “five cents.”
