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Two 18-S buffs in AU, which do you like better?

ad4400ad4400 Posts: 2,167 ✭✭✭✭✭
Perhaps not a fair comparison with Truview vs. a seller image, but I will try. Which coin do you like better and why.

As background the 18-S is one of the strike challenged issues in the series. Central details are often particularly awful, with hair braid details non-existent and the buffalos back flat as a pancake. Severe die erosion is also a frequent problem. AU grades are scarce, with 10 58s showing in auction archives since the one I bought in 2007. 55s are slightly easier, with about a dozen coming to auction this decade. Prices rocket in the MS grades and you can easily spent $2K on a 63 and $4K on a 64.

The Truview is PCGS 58. Very natural surfaces although not as dark as the Truview depicts. A truly superior die state and strike for the issue. I had the 'honor' of paying the highest auction realized for an 18-S in 58 from 2007 until January 2014. This has been a prize of my collection for many years and never thought I would consider letting it go.


image

The one with the seller images is PCGS 55 CAC. The strike is comparable to the 58, although perhaps a tad less good. There may be marginally more wear on the high points, but reasonable folks could debate. Luster is a bit better from what I remember (58 is in SDB at moment). This one is also a partial two feather, although I do not think it would attribute since the 18-S 2Fs are true 2Fs with nothing left, as far as I have seen. I would also welcome thoughts on this last point.
imageimage

Thanks for looking!

Comments

  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,049 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the 58 for the fact that its strike is a bit better. Did you try beaning it? Given your research on this topic I wouldn't let that one go unless you're stepping up into MS.
  • deltadimemandeltadimeman Posts: 1,036 ✭✭✭
    the 58 is the best
  • Walkerguy21DWalkerguy21D Posts: 11,701 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the 58 slightly better, and I think it goes better with the majority of the coins in your set.

    That said, I'd be thrilled to own any 18S in true AU....even XF's are tough to find.

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  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I also like the 58 due to color and strike. I don't know anything about the 2 feather question.
  • crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,068 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the top Buff. The strike looks a bit better and the color seems to be just right. But, honestly, I like them both very much. As always, your Buffs impress me.
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • koynekwestkoynekwest Posts: 10,048 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the 58 better-earlier die state and a better strike. The second one would not qualify as a 2 feather IMO-it's more of a 2 1/2 feather and those aren't really collectible as an abraded die variety, once again in my opinion.
  • bolivarshagnastybolivarshagnasty Posts: 7,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    58 due to the strike.
  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 10,600 ✭✭✭✭✭
    With those pics, my choice is #1. Thanks for sharing two beautiful buffs.

    jim

    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

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  • ShamikaShamika Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
    I'm going to buck the majority here and say that I like the 55 better.


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  • rainbowroosierainbowroosie Posts: 4,875 ✭✭✭✭
    Not close I like the 58 by a wide margin.
    "You keep your 1804 dollar and 1822 half eagle -- give me rainbow roosies in MS68."
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  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The appeal overall of the 58 trumps the 55.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It may be the photograph.... however, like Shamika... I do prefer the look of the second coin. That being said, in hand, it could be just the opposite. The Buff in number two seems more detailed..... Cheers, RickO
  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 12,597 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I prefer the 58...sweet looking Buffalo!
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  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 29,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: bolivarshagnasty
    58 due to the strike.


    image
  • TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭
    It's a tough call, but I like the AU58

    Not only does it have better details from the strike, the color gives it better eye appeal as well.
  • goldengolden Posts: 9,995 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Door #1 all day.

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