I have come into alot of old coins. I came across this 1927 buffalo nickel that appears to only have 3 leggs. I know there is a 1937 D 3 legged buffalo nickel. Just wanted to get a few opinions it.
It only weights at 4.88g too. I have checked over and over making sure my scale isn't off. It's supposed to weigh 5.0 correct?
There is a +/- tolerance which it falls in as normal at 4.88, but it could be missing some metal weight from circulation. That part of the leg could have been ground off in someone experimenting before trying to create a counterfeit 1937-D 3 leg variety. Because, if your coin was an actual variety, that die that was used to make that coin would have produced thousands of others with the same leg missing.
I been following this one. I am not a buffalo expert but this one does have me a bit perplexed. And the lack of replies leads me to believe others here may be a bit perplexed as well. You are correct that there is a 1937 three legged buffalo that commands quite a premium. My suspicion is that @Michael K is likely correct. If somebody were to attempt to counterfeit a 1937 three legged buffalo, then a 1927 buffalo would be the logical place to start. I am unable to blow up your photo and inspect the area where the leg should be. If it were removed there should be tell tale signs there that an experienced eye could make out. All that said, why don't you carry this piece to a local dealer and have him give it a closer look in hand and report back what his findings are.
It is damaged . If someone wanted to search they would find a thread of mine that showed the characteristics of the 37D 3L buffalo. Since only one die pair was involved. they are easy to determine if one knows what to look for. In my early days ( they were less expensive and easier to cherrypick ). The reverse is the first and unfortunately sometimes the only side people look at carefully. This is the reverse. All of the lines and scrapings must be present exactly, and the fakes never are , but most people don't have a scope to see them. Some come close and to a new collector can be very deceiving. maybe a skilled engraver could come close but not me with jewelers tools. BUT! most do not turn it over as the obverse is also distinctive, and easier to see. One dealer asked me why I looked at the obverse, that it was a 37D, but not THE 37D obverse needed. Here is the obverse. It is in a TPG holder ( edge appearance) The green arrows are the characteristics , the brow and neck is quite apparent, that along with the reverse tells us. I bought 6 raw over several years, some before TPG grading was big , mainly at shows, none in TPG at the time. All 6 were real, but 1 was "lightly cleaned". and as standards go down, I may resubmit someday. Jim
I'm thinking it might be altered with. There were only 1937-D three legs, and 1936-D 3 1/2 legs are known. If there were any 1927 P three leg buffalo then it propably been discovered already.
