NEW QUESTION 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel Not a proof but is it worth grading? Your estimates?
OnWithTheHunt
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A good friend asked me whether these 2 coins that have been in his safe for years are proofs. I immediately knew where to ask. Thanks in advance.
Proud recipient of the coveted "You Suck Award" (9/3/10).
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Comments
The T2; certainly not. The strike and die state are not that of a proof.
The T1; almost certainly not.
Collector, occasional seller
Both coins look like circulation strikes, not Proofs.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Did your good friend ask why the question should be asked at all? In other words, what prompted the question? I'm not being difficult; I really am curious.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
@TomB said:
We both belong to the local coin club. He's been a dealer and collector for nearly 60 years and amassed literally thousands of common date circulated Buffalos. I specialize in buffalo varieties but know squat about proofs, so Im checking them for varieties . He only remembered buying the 2 coins years ago and putting them aside. He came across them while he was digging out the bags of nickels I'm going thru. We both thought the Type 1 was at least worth checking out but clearly we whiffed on the T2 .
I also vote, "no" yet do find them attractive, even if they are common.
When in doubt look at the rims. The rims should be razor sharp both inside and out. The other is the letters. The letters should be bold and blocky. There should be zero weakness in the strike too. Both coins you’re showing are not proof coins. Although that type 1 is hammered no cigar. Great looking type 1 for sure👍
The type 1 at least gives me pause but the rims suggest no. Many type 1 Philadelphia coins are hammered.
The type 2 is a no.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Agree with above. Beautiful T1.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
The edge will be mirrored on a proof.
Thanks to all for your help.
For educational purposes for some collectors reading this post, here are my two 1913 Matte Proofs:
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
@winesteven, again, beautiful Matt proofs Steve. Now those coins are hammered.
The Type 2 Buff shows evidence of a clash on E PLURIBUS UNUM, so that ends that.
The Type I is a nice looker. I had to pause before agreeing with the rest of the replies.
Pete
For most Matte Proofs I have seen and imaged, the mirroring on the edge of a Proof is not noticeably different from a well struck business strike.
Coin Photography
Here is my pair, both Matte Proofs. They are part of a 1913 Proof set I put together a few years ago.
Never noticed it before and a quick flip didn't show any others but my 2023 Red Book, on Indian Head Nickels, has a QR Code that says "Scan for detailed grading images."
"There's no such thing as a stupid question..."
No as far as proof. Grading / take your turn at bat.