The 1937 Buffalo Nickel: Understanding Why a Three-Legged Buffalo Is So Valuable

Who Invented the three-legged Buffalo Nickel and What are its Key Features?
The Buffalo nickel is a five-cent coin with a profile of a Native American on the front and an American Bison on the back. The coin weighs 2.5 grams, is 25.5 millimeters in diameter, and has a composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel. The three-legged buffalo nickel was a mistake coin from a coin minter in Denver by the name of Mr. Young.
The original designer of the accurate coin was James Earle Fraser. One of its most notable features is the rare feature that makes it so coveted. The original design of the buffalo nickel was replaced because people found it too hard to read. The three-legged buffalo coin has impacted history as a rare or numismatic coin. At the time, there were millions of these coins in circulation. Today less than 10,000 exist, making them very valuable.
What Is a Numismatic Coin?
A numismatic coin is a rare and premium coin considered collectible and not massively produced in modern times. Numismatic coins are associated with the appraisal and collections of rare coins. Collectors will pay a high price based on physical properties and historical value.
How To Tell a Real 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel from a Fake
There are many ways to tell if a Buffalo nickel is real or fake. One way is by looking at the design on the coin and seeing if it matches what it should be. The first thing to look for when examining a Buffalo nickel is the date on the coin. The year should be 1913, 1914, 1915, 1918, 1919, or 1920. It is most likely a fake if it has a date that does not match any of these years.
The three-legged buffalo coin has distinct features that contribute to its authenticity. The condition of the coin means everything. The first thing to look for is the mint marks. A D or an S mint mark signifies where the coin was manufactured. The D means it was produced in Denver. Notice that the buffalo is on three legs in front of the buffalo. The leg must be missing.
What Is The 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel Worth Today?
The coin’s worth is based on how often it’s circulated in the system. Uncirculated coins stand out in pristine conditions, meaning lack of use. Circulated coins possess wear-and-tear features depreciating their value. An ideal coin will have raised letters, semi-rough edges, and historical notes. Numismatics will examine dullness and surface appearance to determine the overall wealth of the currency.
The Most Famous and Sought-after Coin In the Buffalo Nickel Series.
The buffalo nickel is a five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938. The three-legged buffalo nickel helped create an identity for America’s West and its Native Americans and was one of the most popular coins ever produced by the U.S Mint. For more information on the buffalo nickel and its value, click the link shown.