Full Details - Buff Nickels ?

CTcollector

When reviewing the ANR Buff nickel auction lots this was mentioned alot. I know it means fully struck - but are there any Buff experts out there who can explain the "criteria" for Obverse and Reverse full details (similar to Full Heads on Standing Liberty Quarters - earhole, 3 twigs, distinct hairline, etc). Just curious..thanks in advance...

coinkat

There are many dates within this series that really are rare, if not impossible, to find fully struck... 1921-s, 1923-s, 1926-s and that is just for starters... those are the most obvious ones that get attention

cape

this is my collection that there talking about . on the obverse there talking about the very crisp braid and the delineation of the feathers ,also the nice full hair detail on the indian . the reverse shows strong fur and hair detail on the buffalo along with strong split tail. i hope this helps!

coinkat

Cape:

If I recall correctly, you have posted pictures on the forum of several buffs that are just outstanding... I hope it turns out well for you

CTcollector

<< <i>this is my collection that there talking about . on the obverse there talking about the very crisp braid and the delineation of the feathers ,also the nice full hair detail on the indian . the reverse shows strong fur and hair detail on the buffalo along with strong split tail. i hope this helps! >>



It does and thank you. I look forward to checking some of these out in hand. My compliments to you and the other consignors. The sale seems to have a nice mix of quality items. Very refreshing. Good Luck !

cape

thanks coinkat , check out the images caitlen put up on the registry forum. its hard to beleive but the 25s in pcgs 64 is finer than most 65s

coinkat

Cape:

We should be thanking you and caitlen for posting and sharing some of the most under-appreciated Buffalo rarities that I have seen.

Hoot

Check out photos in the proof collections of buffalo nickels posted in the PCGS and NGC registries. The proofs will give you an idea of what a truly full strike looks like. The vast majority of business strikes do not approach having the details of the most contemporary proofs, but it's an excellent benchmark.

Hoot

cape

coinkat , this is a great fun series to collect and ive got to tell you caitlen has a great eye for quality buffs! also you know what would be perhaps harder to do is to try and put a fully struck au55 or58 set of buffs together!

koynekwest

In my humble opinion-

Obverse-Full hair detailing immediately above the horizontal braid ribbon-i.e-three complete, unbroken hairlines to the ribbon.
Full detailing on the last half of the small feather and at the tip of the large feather
Fully struck date and LIBERTY
A complete, raised hairline from the temple, across the cheek and to the jaw
Reverse-Complete head and hair details on the Bison's head, especially the hair detail at the very front of the head and/or just below the horn
A complete, raised diagonal hairline from the top of the Boson's back to the front and top of the Bison's left foreleg, especially the bottom third
A split brush of the tail
Fully struck up legend, denomination, and Mint mark
Fully struck up lower portion of the right rear leg

Many times coins struck from worn, eroded dies are confused with weak strikes-these will show distorted lettering, heavy flow lines, and a lack of detail in the deepest parts of the design.

I've been conducting a very extensive strike study on these for around five years now.

Trinketts

<< <i>coinkat , this is a great fun series to collect and ive got to tell you caitlen has a great eye for quality buffs! also you know what would be perhaps harder to do is to try and put a fully struck au55 or58 set of buffs together! >>



Maybe that is why I had a 1916-S PCGS AU58 Buffalo bring near MS62 Money...