Quick FactsDate: 1937
Mint: Denver (D)
Error: The buffalo’s front right leg is missing — hence “3-legged”
Cause: A Mint worker over-polished a die to remove clash marks, accidentally erasing the leg
Mintage (normal 1937-D): ~17 million
Mintage of 3-legged variety: Estimated tens of thousands, but no exact count
Designer: James Earle Fraser
How to Identify the 3-Legged BuffaloThe right front leg is completely missing — not just faint or worn.
The other three legs are strong and visible.
A “melted” or “ghost-like” area appears where the missing leg should be.
The ground under the buffalo (between front and back legs) appears more raised and “swept.”
Value (as of 2025)Grade Approx. Value
Good (G-4) $600 – $900
Fine (F-12) $1,200 – $1,600
Very Fine (VF-20) $1,800 – $2,500
Extremely Fine (EF-40) $3,000 – $4,500
About Uncirculated $5,000 – $7,500+
Mint State (MS-60+) $8,000 – $25,000+
