1927-D 3 1/2 legged Buffalo Nickel cherrypick

Omegaraptor

I apologize if this is a repost. My original thread was somehow wiped and removed when I tried to edit it, I can’t seem to get it back.

Everyone knows about the iconic and legendary 1937-D 3 legged Buffalo, caused by a Mint worker overpolishing the die and nearly completely removing the buffalo’s front leg. Most collectors also know about the much rarer but less iconic 1936-D 3 1/2 legged Buffalo, where the leg was partially removed through overpolishing. However, what relatively few collectors know is that this error occurred on other dates as well.

I found this one at the LCS for $7 a couple weeks ago:

The buffalo’s front leg is weak and partially formed, particularly around the area where the leg is bent. Another diagnostic for 1927-D is mintmark position - the 3 1/2 legged die has a very low D, almost touching the rim.

https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1927-d-5c-3-1-2-leg-fs-901-016-65/38456

I’ll probably have to send this one to PCGS when I get around to doing a submission... someday. Really exciting find.

koynekwest

Nice grade! And the correct die, as you say. But there may be a little too much of the leg remaining for attribution. This one can vary quite a bit.

ricko

Nice Buff, however, I do not think it will qualify as a 3.5 legger... JMO, good luck and let us know. Cheers, RickO

WAYNEAS

And again I learn something new. I am not a buffalo collector and did not know that there were other dates for this type of leg varieties. Thanks for the education @Omegaraptor.
Wayne

BuffaloIronTail

@koynekwest said:
Nice grade! And the correct die, as you say. But there may be a little too much of the leg remaining for attribution. This one can vary quite a bit.

I didn't know that about the varying thing. Learn something new every day.

Here's a couple pics from my photo archive. (Not my coin).

Pete

koynekwest

The best ones for this date approach true "3 legged" status. It largely depends on the die state of the coin.

Later die states may have suffered additional clashes and subsequent die polishings.

koynekwest

The really good ones will have a nearly filled Mint mark merging with the rim. You have an outstanding example there, BuffaloIronTail!

DoubleEagle59

I'm no expert for sure, but I'm having difficulty seeing anything close to half a leg.

PQueue

To each his own, real minutiae for sure.