Would a BU coin grade cleanly with an improper alloy mix(woodie)?

kookoox10

Just curious because I've heard a few things about the subject. But I have a real nice BU Buffalo Nickel that has a real pretty woodie appearance. Does our host grade these cleanly or will they come back as details?

TopographicOceans

You'll have to post a picture.
An alloy metal mix in the planchet that has toned wouldn't affect the grade.

But if there were some post mint environmental damage, then you would get a details grade.

oih82w8

I picked up a gorgeous 1863 IHC "woody" in PCGS AU58 recently.



I have not gotten around to having this one imaged yet, sellers image;

lasvegasteddy

so long as it's improper alloy mix

it will grade cleanly

TomB

It is considered a problem-free coin as far as grading, but some folks do not like the eye appeal of such pieces.

CaptHenway

Originally posted by: TomB

It is considered a problem-free coin as far as grading, but some folks do not like the eye appeal of such pieces.

This is true, but some people enjoy the appearance of a fine woodie!

kookoox10

Thanks for the help guys. Before last week, i've been on hiatus from coins for about 8 months. I'm not sure how to upload photos to the new website, I tried a few days ago and failed miserably. Anyone have a link to a previously started thread about photo uploads?

lasvegasteddy

tinypic.com

it's free n easy to use

AUandAG

I think that if it was minted by the US it would straight grade.





bob

ricko

Yep... wood grain coins straight grade.... there are many examples that have been shown here.

Cheers, RickO

kookoox10

Sorry for the wait, but here is the coin. I'm not a pro coin photographer, but it's the best I can do. What are your thoughts?

TopographicOceans

I think it's cool.
It's got kind of a sunset thing going on

kookoox10

I'm really interested in seeing a true view of the coin. It looks so much more robust in person. My photography doesn't do it justice.

jtlee321

That should straight grade no problem. I love the looks of those improper alloy mixed coins..

CaptHenway

Good pictures. SHould straight grade.

david3142

It's a nice looking coin and your pictures are excellent. Even though it will almost certainly grade, it's probably not worth submitting. You'd need at least a 66 to make it cost effective.

oih82w8

Finally got to see your Indian Head Nickel...it should have no worries.

LotsoLuck

Nice Buff and pics

Insider2

I guess I'm going to be the outsider. IMO, there is no such thing as a "woody" nickel. In my experience, almost without exception, the dark brown (usually) stains (usually in horizontal streaks) is an oxidization reaction with the metal, incomplete alloy mix, or impurities. It just does not look good on nickel coins. That said, the OP's coin is lightly stained yet attractive so this one should be OK. Darker stains are often "detailed" as environmental damage.



I know most of you know this: "Woodies" is a term that is reserved for copper coins with incomplete alloy mixes; often including laminations. Think of stirring a vanilla shake while dribbles of chocolate syrup are added causing streaks. Woodies are coins struck on streaked planchets.



I prefer the more attractive (to me) crystalline type of improper alloy where a brown coin has "block-like" brass colored crystallization on its surface.

oih82w8

So, Insider2, you are going to "go against the grain"? (pun intended)

lkeigwin