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A Buff, A Walker or a Commem -- which would you choose, part II

breakdownbreakdown Posts: 2,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
Well, I did this once before and found the results surprising and even learned a thing or two. So one more time, I am posting three coins of similar price. Which would you choose (if any) and if possible provide your thinking.

First, the Buffalo:

image

Next, the Walker:
image

And, finally, the California:

image

Thanks to Todd for the images.image

"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.

Comments

  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,055 ✭✭✭✭✭
    California please.
  • elmeisterelmeister Posts: 117 ✭✭
    I'd take the California becuase it's one of my fav. commems and just looks SO good toned... some commems just shine w/ some color and that Cali. is certainly one of them...

    Next, I'd take the Walker... it's personally my fav. coin series... the toning is very nice (i like the reverse) but doesn't move me like the CA... granted, any colorfully toned Walker is not something you see all the time...

    Lastly, the Buffalo... i'm just not a big nickel guy... lots of other coins i'd buy in this price range before the Buff
  • FlatwoodsFlatwoods Posts: 4,247 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would prefer the commem. as well.
    It is nicely toned and it's a 67.
    The Walker is nice too but I prefer the California commem.
    I am not a big fan of Buffalo nickels. They are attractive coins, just not my thing.
  • erickso1erickso1 Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭
    All great coins. Ones i would grab in a heart beat. But being forced to choose i had to get picky. My first thought was the cal. But then after a couple minutes I decidedthe rim toning wasn't really doing it for me. To...dark. So I choose the buff. Something about the obverse of a well struck buff. The withered look of the face just draws you in. And I don't collect buffs (I have one).
  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,467 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think the CA wins by a mile. The other two coins are nice, but the CA is da bomb! The buffalo looks like a nice coin, and i'm sure it's great in hand, but it doesn't look unique. I understand it's a high grade and seems to have a good strike, but if you like toned coins that one seems to be a pretty common color for a buffalo. The Walker is just too dark for me, especially the reverse. But that CA has some nice flash to it, just enough toning for me but still has lots of original looking bright white luster on it. By the way, really nice photos image
  • cheezhedcheezhed Posts: 6,011 ✭✭✭✭✭
    California easily.
    Many happy BST transactions
  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,887 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I find the CA commem and the Buffalo equal in my estimation. Both have a slight edge over the Walker. But as mentioned, they're ALL nice.

    PS- if I gotta pick just one it might have to be the commem.

    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • ponderitponderit Posts: 1,544 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd give my left, ummm, nostril for that Buffalo. I love all three of those beauties but I've been on a Buffalo binge the last couple of years and can't seem to kick it...
    Successful BST transactions with Rob41281, crazyhounddog, Commoncents, CarlWohlford, blu62vette, Manofcoins, Monstarcoins, coinlietenant, iconbuster, RWW,Nolawyer, NewParadigm, Flatwoods, papabear, Yellowkid, Ankur, Pccoins, tlake22, drddm, Connecticoin, Cladiator, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty
  • erickso1erickso1 Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭
    Good thing to know, just learned tonight. The cal rim toning looks darker on my droid then it does on my computer. Now I'm undecided.
  • The Walker without a doubt even without the D image
  • I guess I'm the only one who loves the look of that Walker?
  • MoldnutMoldnut Posts: 3,113 ✭✭✭✭
    Im with the commem this time.
    Derek

    EAC 6024
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Leaning toward the buffalo. I don't like the toning on the Walker, the California is nice, but has a gash across the 49er's elbow, top of boot, and hip, and the buffalo just looks like an awesome type coin to me.
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    That is one of the nicest California's I have seen in a very long time.

    The Buffalo is a tie for best of show and I could be happy with either coin.

    The WLH, is just a slightly above average so so coin. It is my opinion

    that the Buffalo is probably the best long term investment of ones money.
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • rainbowroosierainbowroosie Posts: 4,875 ✭✭✭✭
    Commem, buff, walker trails badly...2 of 3 are very nice.
    "You keep your 1804 dollar and 1822 half eagle -- give me rainbow roosies in MS68."
    rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
  • TheRegulatorTheRegulator Posts: 1,231 ✭✭✭
    I'm in the Walker camp.

    Not a fan of coins not intended to circulate and also do not care for the commem toning. Buffalo is nice but doesn't catch my attention much. Walker just looks like a tough, handsome and beautiful example of a classic design and big coin.
    The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. -Thomas Jefferson
  • coolestcoolest Posts: 2,281 ✭✭✭
    No question CA!
  • RayboRaybo Posts: 5,341 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Walker is right OUT!
    Take you pick as far as the other two go. image

    (IMHO)
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I really wanted to like the MS67 Commem till I saw the contact mark across the lower obverse image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!

  • Luv the Buffalo. Was that just graded ?

    Everybody's got plans--until they get hit
    --Mike Tyson
  • breakdownbreakdown Posts: 2,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for all the feedback. FWIW, my order would be: 1. Buffalo, 2. California, and 3. Walker. Of course I have the advantage (or bias) of seeing them in hand although Todd's images are as always great.

    The reverse toning of the California is some of the nicest on any coin I own. By Todd's images, the toning of the two sides looks similar but in hand with the ability to tilt the coin, the reverse really stands out. As many pointed out, there is a hit on the obverse that is barely discernible without a loupe but of course once you notice it, it is always there. So I like the Commem but it has a flaw.

    Similarly, the Walker has a few negatives. The reverse toning is nice but quite dark (probably too dark for some). Even more, the obverse central strike is weak (look at the head and hand). I almost traded out of this coin last year but I do like the unique look and decided to hold onto it for now.

    For me, the Buffalo is the nicest of the three. Great luster and a really clean look in a tan-orange shade that I think looks great. This coin really does not have any problems and would therefore rank highest for me. Thanks again for all the comments.image

    Edit: Sorry, to answer 66WhiteFBL's question, the Buff was graded in 2010.

    "Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.

  • Musky1011Musky1011 Posts: 3,904 ✭✭✭✭
    Nice coins but I would pass on all of them....designs not to my liking
    Pilgrim Clock and Gift Shop.. Expert clock repair since 1844

    Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA

    http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set
  • gyocomgdgyocomgd Posts: 2,582 ✭✭✭
    The Buffalo! Mainly because it's one of only about 15 in MS67, with none higher. Nice to describe one of your coins as "almost a condition rarity."image
    image
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 29,252 ✭✭✭✭✭
    i love the commem. but have to go with the buffalo. nice coins image
  • CommemDudeCommemDude Posts: 2,343 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There are a lot of Californias with that toning pattern, and I suspect not many early Buffalos with booming luster like that, so I would go with the Buffalo.
    l recently sold a roll of common date buffs that turned dull over time, and I am always amazed that a nickel could stay that lustrous ... amazing.
    Dr Mikey
    Commems and Early Type
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hmmmmmm.... now if they were not tarnished.... Yep.. the Buff would be my choice.... I am sure it will clean up nicely. image Cheers, RickO
  • GaCoinGuyGaCoinGuy Posts: 2,778 ✭✭✭✭
    Walker
    Buff
    California

    In that order.

    The Walker just jumps out to me. Love the colors, good strike.
    The Buff is real nice, but I like the color of the Walker better.
    imageimage

  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    I like the buff and walker.
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