1927-D - Another Forgotten Buffalo Nickel
BuffaloIronTail
Posts: 7,547 ✭✭✭✭✭
The 1927-D Buffalo hides in the shadows of the Buffalo heard. The Alpha Buffalo Nickels strut their stuff, while poor 27-D stands off in the corner. 25-S and D, 26-S and D and the 1924 Branch Mint issues are better known and documented as being badly struck.......and they do stand out in reference. But 27-D is hardly ever mentioned.
This is another date and mintmark that is not appreciated by mainstream collectors. It was minted during a time when Denver issues were poorly struck for a number of reasons. The mid-1920s saw a lot of branch mint coins that were not properly prepared or struck up properly. The reasons vary, not all of them happening at the same time. That's because circulated 27-D coins don't look that bad...........until you get into the higher grades.
XF coins are around. It takes a little searching to find a nice one, and they could be bought at a reasonable cost...somewhere around$100.00. There is an excess amount of slabbed coins graded VF because of a failed hunt to get an XF specimen.
Find a nice one............good luck.
As of this post, there have been no fully struck 27-D Nickels found. After the amount of years till today, there may never be one located. The higher grade specimens are really not up to snuff. Take a look at the pictures included..........there really is no choice but to holder these.
Notice the die erosion (flow lines). Look at the poorly struck central obverse. The coin is a 65 with a Bean.
There is also a 3 1/2 leg for this date. (Picture included).
In summary, the 1927-D should not be forgotten in a high grade set. Look for a better struck specimen.
Knowledge is power.
Pete
Comments
True. Very true.
Buffalo nickels, are one of a few series, that actually are TOUGH to grade. Almost multiple series within the series....at least for a numismatist.
I agree with your assessment. The '27-D is one of the most poorly struck in the series but is not often cited for this. I've looked at over 100,000 Buffs while I was conducting my strike study and have never seen a fully struck coin of this date out of 517 coins observed. These are my comments >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Most fall into the typical strike range; a true full strike has not been seen by the author. Often seen with a complete lack of central detail and struck from the eroded dies used on the branch Mint issues so frequently seen during this time period. This date is one of the major strike rarities in the series and is often greatly underrated as such."
The coin below is pictured in my book and is the best I've seen. It's very close but lacks full detail on the braid immediately above the ribbon and shows flatness on the tail adjacent .to the rim.
Very good information in this thread; thanks for sharing!
Great post by the OP, and great follow on information by k-west.
Thanks guys.
I quit on this series back in high school, as you couldn't find decent pre-30 mint mark coins at local shows and shops pre-internet. Made the switch to walkers at the time. Many years later met local buffalo nut down here in Fl and re-engaged with the series - wow - there was a lot to learn!
Judging by all the posts the past couple of years on the forum, I have to believe this is one of the hotter series around now - especially those pursuing toned buffs.
Great information.... looking at my Buffs - in slabs or 2x2's... I certainly agree. I have not studied the series to the extent of the members above and appreciate the information. Cheers, RickO
Ron.......that is the best 27-D I've ever seen! Talk about close to a full strike..........That coin has it!
Pete
I will remember this when I start to assemble a set. Thanks!
Collector, occasional seller
Well done, Pete!!
I always love to read info on a series written by a knowledgeable collector of that series. I have often wanted to start this series and do have some, but have found that it is really hard to find nice coins at reasonable prices.
Maybe someday.
Yep, Pete-it's very close! Just as important, it's an early die state, too.
This is one of my favorite dates. It is also one of the toughest RPM's (FS-501) in the series. I have been looking for this RPM for over 10 years and have found a grand total of 3, with none above XF. The highest graded PCGS example is a lone AU55. Here's one of my finds from several years ago:
That's a nice RPM! Forgot to mention them in my post.
Pete