Proof Buffalo Nickels
Though not in my core collecting area, I have had a proof buffalo nickel on my "to-buy" list for a while. More specifically, a 1937 brilliant proof. They are not particularly hard to find, but the look can vary quite a bit. (White/toned/etc)
One popped up on a search last night that met my criteria and I pulled the trigger, maybe a little too quickly.
I'm a little curious why these don't seem to be more popular. It's an iconic design with what I assume is a large collector base. Low mintage for every proof. Available in high grades for reasonable prices. Seems like a winner to me.
Let's see some nice proof buffalos! Trueviews were made to show these off.
I usually don't post until I have a coin in hand but this is my newp, should have it sometime this week:
I prefer this silvery white look, but lots of stunning colorful buffs out there, would love to see some posted.
Comments
I'm looking for a nice '37 as well. I bought my '36 first and am quite satisfied with a Pf 66 example.
A finer known '37 looks like this Pf 67 Cameo piece that sold for 12.5k
That is a beautiful '37! You chose wisely. It is really hard to get good photos of the brilliant proofs.
Proof Buffalo Registry Set
Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
Beautiful coins!
This came from Mark Feld many years ago.
@Pedzola You picked a beautiful coin! I don’t own a proof version and agree with you on the points you made. If the coin looks like the TV, you have a winner.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Eagleguy I checked out your registry set - very nice! I bet some of the trueviews would be amazing if you sent them in.
Fiftysevener the cam pieces are out of my price range for sure, but look amazing!
In the spirit of adding more pictures, I'll share one that I found but did not purchase. I almost caved to color when I saw this one for sale. I have no affiliation with the seller, jjteaparty, looks like it is still available.
As far as toners go this one is mild. If it was light blue instead of peach I would have bit. But it is mostly free of the small specks that tend to be on most of these proofs including the one I purchased. Really nice coin.
Who else has pics?
Instagram
I like the strong strikes from the proof buffs posted. I've seen other proofs for sale with less strikes so I'm holding out on one like those posted. A proof buffalo with a strong strike and watery mirrors is a thing of beauty!
Nice proof Buffs, everyone! I got mine many years ago as a PR67 and sent it in (on a free promotion) when PCGS introduced Secure Plus. It got the plus. Definitely one of my favorite coins. I've been on the lookout for a 1936 with the same type of eye appeal, but haven't found one (that's for sale) to date.
I've bought 4 and sold 2 in the last year. They are so cheap now, they are hard to resist.
It's always been my favorite US coin
beautiful
Coinjunkie thats an awesome buff. Blue/purple hues always get my attention.
Instagram
Very nice folks. Always have a look when I see them offered. I see some in here that look great.
I have two 1937 proofs. I like color on mine.
Those are fantastic. I’m going to put one on my list of coins I need. I’ve thought about a ‘42 proof set. Maybe I should amend it to ‘37.
Beautiful coin all I like
Here’s my one and only.
Lovely pics👌
Some very nice proofs here! I really like the 1937 Brilliant Proofs as well. They show off the Buffalo Nickel design so well.
I don't care about toning. The exceptionally clear and reflective fields are the thing about the coin to me.
Pete
Years ago I was searching for a proof Buff for my collection. Somehow I got sidetracked and completely forgot until I saw the OP coin.... WOW!!! Now I guess I have to get back to it..... I love Buffs anyway, so have to add a proof. Stay tuned... Cheers, RickO
You can't get any better than proof buffaloes in my opinion. The one headed to Pedzola looks nearly perfect for a 37.
Here is my one and only.
I searched for over 5 years for a '36 and pulled the trigger on this one last year.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
A bunch of nice buffs here. I don't have a proof buff yet. I need to fix that soon.
The color on your coin looks to be outstanding, Cameonut!
beautiful buffalo nickels
I prefer business strikes over proof, but I must say, proof Buffalos are truly amazing. Great pickup!
Dave
The big issue with proof buffalo nickels is that they're relatively expensive compared to type examples of other early proofs.
Very nice!
I'm still looking for a '36 type 2 for my set.
Collector, occasional seller
This is my only one........
but definitely not my last one.
OINK
I dont like business buffs that much but LOVE proofs. I picked up a near PL one last year but still have a proof on the wantlist
Any buffalo nickel thread is a good thread.
Great thread🤪
This thread is makin me drool
Just looking at proof buffs this AM.
Something in the air?
This looks soooo good. I am legit looking for some right now but their out of my limited (im 16) price range.
Collector, occasional seller
INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71
I've only ever owned one proof buff, a matte proof type 1 that I bought raw as a "Gem BU" that later graded PR66. I sold that one last year.
The matte proofs don't excite me much, the satin and brilliant proofs are one I'd love to find a nice colorful example someday.
That was a very nice cherrypick, Jeremy! I've cherried a few matte and satin proofs myself and actually cherried a 1937 brilliant proof several years ago.
Update, got my coin! Looks excellent in hand - bright silver and reflective.
It's a keeper. Kinda want another one!
Instagram
Congratulations! It’s a stunner!
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
1936, followed by 1937, both PR67+, PCGS/CAC - Any “distractions” seen on the 1936 are just reflections and not on the coin in hand, especially on the reverse.
https://caimages.collectors.com/coinimages/42396/35388272/1936nicklepr67+_O.jpg
https://caimages.collectors.com/coinimages/42396/35388272/1936nicklepr67+_R.jpg
https://caimages.collectors.com/coinimages/42396/81401580/lfUPK42WJ7.jpg
https://caimages.collectors.com/coinimages/42396/81401580/lfBFB34DUI.jpg
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
WS you killed the thread. Nobody has anything better to add after seeing your coins! Nice proof buffs - the '36 looks amazing.
One thing I like about these that is not apparent in pictures is that the fields have some movement / texture to them, not just a flat dish. So the fields look watery rippling in the light, a neat effect.
I think you can see this effect on the reverse of the '36 above, great photo.
Instagram
Nice looking proof buff @Pedzola
I remember that proof you bought raw for like 85 bucks or some ridiculous low price. Yes it was a monster struck matte proof listed as a gem BU. WOW what a score👍
You da man 👨
I agree about the matte proofs. I had a 1913 type two in PR64, I sold it recently to fund other things.
Collector, occasional seller
The 1936 and 1937 issues are great coins to look for as they are available in sufficient quantity
to be affordable to the average collector.
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"