Is this 3 leg Buffalo real?

Vetter

Text Is this the real thing?

Russ

Xpertcoins thinks so.

Russ, NCNE

Hedger

I would not trust it raw period. Need verification first before I would consider buying anything like that.

ms70

I'm not so sure. One of the tell tale signs of an authentic piece is a trail of small "bumps" that lead from the ground to
the bison's belly. I don't see that. I forget what the other diagnostics are.

nankraut

From the photo, it looks like it's been rather heavily cleaned/polished. Personally, I won't buy this coin except in a PCGS/NGC/ANACS ho0lder. Why take a chance?

mgoodm3

The back leg looks better than it should, but I'm willing to overlook all those redflags because it has the Xpertcoins seal of approval.

fcloud

There should be some marks across the back leg. Like a pimpling. I don't remember the other diagnostics.

I don't like the photo of the coins. The coin could be okay, but I'd want better photos before bidding on that one.

Veep

It looks suspicious to me. The rear leg is not ragged enough nor is there enough erosion at the back of the Indian's neck. I don't see the trail of bumps leading from the buffalo's belly to the ground either. Finally, the overall appearance looks as if the coin has been abused or purposefully "roughed up" to cover alteration. It might be ok, but not ok enough in my book.

topstuf

Fake. No ratty neck on Indian.
No ratty leg on buff.
No "pee" trail from tummy.

Skip it.

koynekwest

The coin is altered.

Vet

<< <i>Fake. No ratty neck on Indian.
No ratty leg on buff.
No "pee" trail from tummy.

Skip it. >>

altered this one resides in a pcgs au58 holder for comparsion.

koynekwest

As a matter of fact, I know and have dealt with this dealer. This listing really surprises me.

coinguy1

I think the coin has been cleaned and is quite possibly genuine, but that the diagnostics have been obscured by the cleaning.

Edited to add: Either way, I'd steer clear.

mgoodm3

Another that you can see is the relief left on the hoof of the missing leg, It's very deep on the Ebay one, while very shallow on the reral one.

clw54

PCGS VG10

jonesy

I would pass. Just doesn't look right.

mr1931S

"The rear leg is not ragged enough nor is there enough erosion at the back of the Indian's neck. I don't see the trail of bumps leading from the buffalo's belly to the ground either."

The rear leg on the "Text" coin looks like that seen on a regular '37 D.

"Is this the real thing?"

I seriously doubt it.

nesvt

Thanks for all of the diagnostics. I have to print this thread out. There's an antique shop about 20 miles from me... they have one of these in better shape and are asking $600 (raw in 2x2 cardboard flip). I don't want it and don't know anything about Buffalo nickels, just want to check it out more based on your comments. It's cool to hold one in hand.
If anyone is interested and is traveling through Vermont, send me a PM and I'll give you directions to this shop.

koynekwest

One very evident die marker that everyone seems to miss-on the OBVERSE-is the detached nature of the small feather at the back of the neck. Notice the separation from the back of the head-the beginnings of a "two feather" variety. EVERY geniune 3 legger I've ever seen has this die marker. The 3 legged came from a single die pair; however, I've heard that this obverse die exists on a few coins paired with the NORMAL reverse die-i.e.-before the leg was removed.

Merc

It does not look real. Others have pointed out that it is missing the correct die characteristics. Plus, the hoof from the missing leg is too strong. It is too tall and there seems to be a sharp shelf from the hoof to the missing leg area. This makes it look like a regular 4-legged buffalo with a leg removed. Then the coin was cleaned to hide the removal.

lloydmincy

The second I looked at it I knew it was not genuine. ALL the major diagnostics for this error are missing. It should be in a slab for authenticity.

Hoot

Definitely a fake. The back leg of the bison is way too strong and not "moth eaten." The "pee trail" of the bison, even on a cleaned coin, should be evident and is completely lacking on this coin. The Indian's neck is early to middle die state, not the late die state of the real thing. Overall, the strike is way too strong for a genuine 37-D 3-legged, as can be readily seen in the peripheral devices.

Hoot

koynekwest

Note, too, that the "artist" has added the last part of the horn-an "upgrade." I've emailed the seller-so far, no response.