In 1936, the Denver branch of the U.S. Mint produced 24,814,000 Buffalo nickels. Among these, around 300 coins were struck with a peculiar error: the buffalo on the reverse side appears to have only 3 and a half legs. This rare mistake has since become a highly sought-after piece among collectors.
How Did the 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs Buffalo Nickel Come About?
The unusual error on this coin resulted from over-polishing of the coin dies at the U.S. Mint in Denver. Polishing dies is a routine process to remove imperfections, but when done excessively, it can lead to the unintentional removal of fine details from the coin’s design. In this case, the upper portion of the bison’s front leg was polished away, leaving just the hoof visible.
The bison design, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, was modeled after Black Diamond, a well-known bison from Central Park Zoo in New York City. However, the real Black Diamond, unlike the bison on the coin, had four complete legs!
This 1936-D nickel with 3 and a half legs is often confused with the more famous 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo nickel, which also resulted from over-polishing of the dies at the Denver Mint. While similar, these are two distinct error coins, with the 1937-D version missing the entire leg, hoof and all.
It’s estimated that about 300 examples of the 1936-D 3-1/2 legs nickel exist today. Although the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has graded over 100 of these coins, this number may be inflated due to multiple submissions of the same coin.
Value of the 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs Buffalo Nickel
The 1936-D 3-1/2 legs nickel is one of the most significant keys to the Buffalo nickel series. Only a few other Buffalo nickels, specifically error varieties like the 1916 doubled die obverse (DDO) and 1918-D 8 over 7, are valued higher.
Although recognized by The Red Book and PCGS, this error variety is no longer listed by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). It’s uncertain when the error was first discovered, but it may have been known to collectors since its minting.
The value of the 1936-D error coins has decreased slightly over time as more examples have been discovered, making them somewhat more accessible to collectors. However, demand for these rare nickels remains strong.
The most recent auction sale in September 2022 saw an example graded XF-40 fetch $3,850. The record high for this coin was set in 2009, when an MS-63 graded example sold for an impressive $20,700.
Price Chart for 1936-D 3-1/2 Legs Buffalo Nickel by Grade
| Grade | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | XF-40 | AU-50 | MS-61 | MS-63 |
| Value | $500 | $675 | $1,150 | $1,175 | $3,300 | $5,850 | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Given the substantial difference in value between the 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel and its regular 1936-D counterpart, it is highly recommended to have the coin professionally authenticated and graded before buying or selling. This ensures both parties are protected from potential counterfeit coins and enhances the coin’s investment potential.
Conclusion
The 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel is a remarkable error coin with a unique story behind its creation. Its rarity and distinctive feature make it a valuable piece for collectors. If you happen to come across one, getting it authenticated and graded is crucial to understanding its true value.
FAQ
What caused the 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel error?
The error was caused by over-polishing of the coin dies at the Denver Mint, which led to the partial removal of the bison’s front leg on the reverse side.
How rare is the 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel?
Approximately 300 examples are believed to exist, making it a rare and sought-after coin.
Is the 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel the same as the 1937-D 3-legged nickel?
No, they are different coins. The 1936-D version has 3 and a half legs, while the 1937-D version is missing an entire leg.
What is the value of a 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel?
Depending on its condition, the value can range from $500 in Good condition to $25,000 in Mint State-63.
Should I get my 1936-D 3-1/2 legs Buffalo nickel graded?
Yes, professional grading is recommended to authenticate the coin and determine its exact value.
