Defective proof buffalo, what should I do?

Chuckie

Hi,

I bought a proof buffalo and the rim is different in all areas around the coin, obverse and reverse. However, on the reverse, down at the bottom, the rim isn't there. There's just an overlay of the reeded edge. Should I send it back? I noticed someone on Ebay trying to sell an off center (mint error?), describing a similar rim problem at the bottom of the reverse. Is this a mint error or just shoddy workmanship? $800 is a lot for a defective coin but if it's going to be rare I'll keep it. Please help.

Sorry for another Gold Buffalo Thread.

Chuck

FullStrike

Some twisted people think "defects" are rare and valuable. Others think defects make junk. It's all in the way you follow the crowd.

MrKelso

I have one that has a hunk of gold that looks like it was pulled out or didn't flow correctly during the strike, right in front of the bison's head. No biggie but then again mine is not a proof coin.

robertpr

Post pictures if you can. It's probably worth more as errors on proof coins are uncommon. Although I can't state that definitively without seeing the coin.

Chuckie

Never tried to do pictures before so don't know if this will work. I have to log in first I guess.

Chuckie

Trying again

Chuckie

have to make file smaller. Sheesh!

100proof1957

Welcome !

Chuckie

May take me a while, I don't know how to do this. Sorry.

D

Turn your PMs on, if you could send someone the image they could resize it and post it for you.

-Daniel

bigMACnoCheese

after taking the picture, open it up in paint and save it as a jpg.

Clip the part of the picture you want to show so the file gets under 50k.

Chuckie

Now I'm feeling like a real idiot. How do I turm my PM on? I tried clicking everything but it still is locked. Oh boy!

ABC123

If it could be certified as a Mint Error, it would probably be worth a premium.

Chuckie

See if this works. As I said the rim on the front and back is of a different thickness in various places, but here, there is no rim

Chuckie

Beginning to feel like Bozo the clown, will try again.

Chuckie

Hoping

ldhair

Chuckie

Should I keep it or send it back for a new one?

Chuck

Chuckie

Thanks Larry

BECOKA

I don't think the gold Buffalo will be that rare, I can't tell if this is an error if it would ever be worth more as an error. Personally I would send it back for another one but some might not want to risk it getting lost in the mail.

It's your call in the end.

Chuckie

Thanks for yor reply. I just want to get a consensus from the experts on this board cause I'm far from being any kind of an expert. Anyone with an opinion, please reply. Need to act before they sell out. Thanks, Chuck

INXS

At $800 I would want a near perfect one not one that would be a crap shoot if sent for grading as to whether it was or was not an error. Send it back for another. JMHO.

Chuckie

Gonna send it back tomorrow. Just called the mint and got the instructions.

FullStrike

Whatever you do - send it registered. That way, it will need signatures along the way - less tempting for a PO employee to put it in their pocket.

I sent back 4 Platinum Proofs a couple weeks ago - still waiting for a credit to my card. The Mint is so slow to give back your money. I imagine they might be equally as slow to send replacement coins.

Shamika

Chuckie,

Take a look at the reverse image in THIS PCGS MS70 GOLD BUFFALO. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this coin shows the same thin rim in the same location as your coin.

Chuckie

I'll agree with the thin rim but mine has kind of no rim. Also I haver vey thin rim around the Feathers and States. How'd this ever get a 70?

Shamika

<< <i>How'd this ever get a 70? >>


No comment.

INXS

<< <i>

<< <i>How'd this ever get a 70? >>


No comment. >>

Conder101

It looks to me a bit of a wire rim. The gold was forced against the collar and then squeezed out between the collar and the die. You ger a very thin flange that is smooth on the inner surface and shows the reeding on the outer side.

dlimb2

There is a guy on ebay calling this an error coin! He wants $1500 for his.

Chuckie

I emailed him and he offered to buy the coin from me, asking for a picture. I sent it back regestered mail this morning. The mint said they will pay my return postage. I think that this is just defeftive production, probably a defective die or two rater than a mint error. If they have a lot of these problems, maybe it'll be the end of this design in gold. The guy on Ebay says he has a few and thinks that because all are grading so high, the defects will be hot. I want a good strike if buying a proof. Not interested in defects or errors. Chuick

DrPerry

Nah you got a VAM 1

That's all

dlimb2

If no other problems were with the coin...would it grade PR69 or could it still grade PR70?

Chuckie

I thought a 70 had to be a perfect strike?

Chuckie

Just wanted to say that I received my exchanged Proof Buffalo today and guess what? It has the same defect although not as pronounced as the one I returned. I'm now convinced that there's a general design error, especially after seeing this PCGS MS 70 below. After studying the coin, it seems as though the defect occurs from the outside in rather than the inside out. I don't know how they actuall produce these coins, but is the reeding and rim produced after the strike? I've bought many coins from the mint and never seen a quality issue like this before. I also have a fair collection of old US gold coins and they are beautifully struck. I wonder if the fact that this is the first time the mint is working with 24K gold is a factor here? I'm keeping this one cause everything else about it is actually much nicer than the one I returned and could end up with something worse if I try for three. I promise no more buffalo threads :-)





<< <i>Chuckie,

Take a look at the reverse image in THIS PCGS MS70 GOLD BUFFALO. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this coin shows the same thin rim in the same location as your coin. >>

GoldenEyeNumismatics

If it looks ugly and you don't like it then you should try to send it back.

Shamika

Chuckie,

I can't help but wonder if this is simply a case of gold not fully flowing into the "defect" area.

Keep in mind the planchet must be slightly is smaller than the finished coin so that during compression between the dies the metal will flow into the various design elements. Looking at the Buffalo design, there is a significant volume of metal needed to fill the mound on which the Buffalo stands.

I wonder if the proof issue, which is struck more than once, is missing this defect? If so, it may just be a case of inadequate pressure between the dies.