25-s buff newP
ad4400
Posts: 2,167 ✭✭✭✭✭
While the 26-D may have all the folklore of the worst struck in the series, those that know buffalo nickels realize the 25-S is even more difficult to find in a suitable example. The worst of the strikes really are the worst among the worst, with partial horns, partial dates, and taking mush to new extremes. Severe die wear is also very prevalent. For reasons that escape me, even on examples that do not suffer these flaws, finding an eye appealing example is all but impossible. The other problem is the true rarity of these in AU. Auction records show 10 PCGS58 pieces coming to auction in the last decade. Less than 10 appear in the auction archives as far back as PCGS shows them at PCGS55.
I've had a PCGS55 for many years (close to a decade if I had to guess) that at least checked all the technical boxes: earlier die state, decent strike, fully original, and a neat clash that is the precursor to the two feather variety. Still, this date/MM stayed a thorn in my side. As I was able to upgrade my set with more eye appealing pieces, I became convinced I would have to be happy with a simply technically decent piece. Thus I was thrilled when I ran across this piece. Not yet in hand, but trust I am not jinxing myself. Early die state, a strike that resembles most of the Philly issues, no dark toning or other odd ball flaws obvious. I am hoping, and based on image have every reason to believe, my quest for this date may finally be done.
[URL=http://s119.photobucket.com/user/winstar_album/media/06f66f5078cd4c4807fc33ef9641b1f0_zpsn2xjsjy4.jpg.html]
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[URL=http://s119.photobucket.com/user/winstar_album/media/519d18ed4b8f9a140e12175112d3d349_zpscf3gvmlj.jpg.html]
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I've had a PCGS55 for many years (close to a decade if I had to guess) that at least checked all the technical boxes: earlier die state, decent strike, fully original, and a neat clash that is the precursor to the two feather variety. Still, this date/MM stayed a thorn in my side. As I was able to upgrade my set with more eye appealing pieces, I became convinced I would have to be happy with a simply technically decent piece. Thus I was thrilled when I ran across this piece. Not yet in hand, but trust I am not jinxing myself. Early die state, a strike that resembles most of the Philly issues, no dark toning or other odd ball flaws obvious. I am hoping, and based on image have every reason to believe, my quest for this date may finally be done.
[URL=http://s119.photobucket.com/user/winstar_album/media/06f66f5078cd4c4807fc33ef9641b1f0_zpsn2xjsjy4.jpg.html]
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[/URL][URL=http://s119.photobucket.com/user/winstar_album/media/519d18ed4b8f9a140e12175112d3d349_zpscf3gvmlj.jpg.html]
![http://s119.photobucket.com/user/winstar_album/media/519d18ed4b8f9a140e12175112d3d349_zpscf3gvmlj.jpg.html]](https://forums.collectors.com/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=http%3A%2F%2Fs119.photobucket.com%2Fuser%2Fwinstar_album%2Fmedia%2F519d18ed4b8f9a140e12175112d3d349_zpscf3gvmlj.jpg.html%5D){kind=link}
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Comments
Nice coin. You just don't see these with strikes very often.
This coin is vastly underrated in this condition and in this condition with that good a strike it is a very remarkable find.
I don't have that much experience with lustrous '25-S nickels but in my experience when a date doesn't look good even well struck in Unc it's because of surfaces. Apparently it goes back to die preparation.
Well done.