1925 Buffalo, grading opinions Please?

ipmman · February 10, 2007 9:38AM

I am totally inept when it comes to grading mint state coins. Any opinions on this 1925 Buffalo?

To me it looks pristine, other than the tiny amount of steel blue speckled toning on the obverse.

Is it worth the money to get this slabbed?

Barndog · February 10, 2007 1:57PM

if you edit your post to add "Buffalo Nickel" to the thread title, you might attract a few people who dabble in that series.

billboat · February 10, 2007 2:08PM

I have very little experience with the series but it is a beautiful well struck Buffalo--64? If so, worth slabbing. Also looks like it is missing a partial third feather--or is it just my imagination?

JRocco · February 10, 2007 2:17PM

<< I have very little experience with the series but it is a beautiful well struck Buffalo--64? If so, worth slabbing. Also looks like it is missing a partial third feather--or is it just my imagination? >>

Not to be a constant PIA Bill, but at 64, why is this worth slabbing?
Do we really need every coin in a slab? Is it not the same coin and the OP 30 bucks richer if it stays raw?

Good thing that Prozac wasn't around before slabbing companies came into existence or there would be a lot of people living in constant depression because there would not have been slabbing companies to give all their money to....for no reason may I add.....

Nice coin by the way epmman

stman · February 10, 2007 2:28PM

JRocco you a bad bad man. Quite the grumpy collector. There are support groups for this I hear. Heh heh

Coxe · February 10, 2007 2:29PM

Not going to grade your images, but that is a very nice strike for that series.

billboat · February 10, 2007 2:34PM

<< 

<< I have very little experience with the series but it is a beautiful well struck Buffalo--64? If so, worth slabbing. Also looks like it is missing a partial third feather--or is it just my imagination? >>

Not to be a constant PIA Bill, but at 64, why is this worth slabbing?
Do we really need every coin in a slab? Is it not the same coin and the OP 30 bucks richer if it stays raw?

Good thing that Prozac wasn't around before slabbing companies came into existence or there would be a lot of people living in constant depression because there would not have been slabbing companies to give all their money to....for no reason may I add.....

Nice coin by the way epmman

>>

Hardly a PIA JRocco!--but if it is a 64 (or better, for all I know, and as I said I'm hardly an expert in the series), it's a $200 coin--it's a lot more sellable slabbed--he asked and it's JMHO. An economy submission is what--$14? I think it's worth a shot. That said, I slab very few coins myself. But I have done well on a few occasions. I don't disagree that TPG can cost more than it is worth--but this one might be worth it.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 10, 2007 2:39PM

The man once suggested if the coin wasn't worth a hundy, it wasn't worth slabbing.
Since then, I've seen another statement implying that....
"it's a personal choice". If it's worth it to you to have it in a slab that may be MS64 or 65, by all means, send it in. If you like them raw, which is great, too, then call it an MS66 and put it in the album

BlindedByEgo · February 10, 2007 2:40PM

<< The man once suggested if the coin wasn't worth a hundy, it wasn't worth slabbing.
Since then, I've seen another statement implying that....
"it's a personal choice". If it's worth it to you to have it in a slab that may be MS64 or 65, by all means, send it in. If you like them raw, which is great, too, then call it an MS66 and put it in the album

>>

Touche

(should have the ' thingy on the e, but I don't know how to do it).

ipmman · February 10, 2007 2:41PM

<< I slab very few coins myself. But I have done well on a few occasions. I don't disagree that TPG can cost more than it is worth--but this one might be worth it. >>

I also rarely slab coins, but this one is outside my collecting area, so from an economic standpoint, is it worth the slab? Of course, as I said, I am totally inept when it comes to mint state grading, and everytime I sent in something to get slabbed I was disappointed with the results.

It is nice to have a forum to at least get some other opinions, all of which are more qualified and capable than mine.

Cam40 · February 10, 2007 2:46PM

nice no-feathers variety but the one thing that would concern me about submitting for slabbing
would be the fly specs or carbon spots on the obverse.
that could get you a body bag and lighten your wallet to the amount of the submission fee so,
i dont know.

billboat · February 10, 2007 2:55PM

<< nice no-feathers variety but the one thing that would concern me about submitting for slabbing
would be the fly specs or carbon spots on the obverse.
that could get you a body bag and lighten your wallet to the amount of the submission fee so,
i dont know. >>

Good point about the spots. I don't know what the premium, if any, is for the lapped third feather--but again if he wants to slab it--an economy grading fee isn't exactly going to bankrupt him. Also, the strike is superb. If it were me--I'd probably take a shot.

ricko · February 10, 2007 2:59PM

Slabbing is a personal choice... do you want to sell it? or keep it? Are you just looking for support of your opinion? If so, is it worth the fee to you to find out you are correct?... Up to you... nice coin. Cheers, RickO

ipmman · February 10, 2007 3:36PM

<< Slabbing is a personal choice... do you want to sell it? or keep it? Are you just looking for support of your opinion? If so, is it worth the fee to you to find out you are correct?... Up to you... nice coin. Cheers, RickO >>

No opinion to support. As I said, I am not a decent grader. Been to some seminars, bought the PCGS book, have the ANA Grading videos, and am still inept.

I intend to sell it, as I don't collect Buffaloes and have sat on it for a couple years hoping to get to a show where NGC or PCGS is there. Just been too busy, and haven't been to a coin show in over a year. Anyone have a nice half cent they want to trade for it??

At shows, do they give preliminary opinions, do they warn of a possible body bag? I have sent in maybe 20 coins in my life to get slabbed. I wasn't happy, not once, and 3 times I got body bagged when sending in ANACS certified gold coins which were cleaned (and not so designated on the ANACS slab.) I know if I come out well if I slab it (and it will be the first time ever), I will get double or more when I sell it.

I don't think any old time collectors would say that the slabbing of all of these coins is a good thing...but it is a debate we lost, a long time ago...the almighty dollar was victorious.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 10, 2007 3:52PM

Now that you've made mention of an interest in selling, please list it on the BST (buy-sell-trade) forum.
It's probably an MS 61

.

LOL

ipmman · February 10, 2007 7:11PM

I'm not here to sell it. I was just asked, so I answered.

Is the MS 61 a real grade, or just an annoyed grade because you don't think I belong on this forum?

icsoccer · February 10, 2007 10:53PM

It's a good stike, but I see a few rim ticks and the spots are not beneficial.
The horn looks great, the detail above ribbon knot appears better than most, but still not strong.
ms-63
Slabbing is personal, but wont add to value and wont help sell it if you want.
This coin would sell for the same money raw.

cape · February 11, 2007 12:59AM

this coin has at minimum a 65 strike and maybe a 66. soak the coin in acetone for a couple days and see if any of the flecks can be removed. its hard to tell how clean the surfaces from any hits affecting the grade .BUT FOR THE DATE THIS COIN HAS AN INCREDIBLE STRIKE.

PM ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Shamika · February 11, 2007 1:15AM

Take it from someone who specializes in this series, this coin is HAMMERED! The specks on the obverse hurt it, but it appears to be at least a 64. Without the specks, it could be a 66.

<< nice no-feathers variety... >>

It's not a no-feathers variety nor is it a 2-feather variety. The lighting makes the inner most feather almost disappear.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 11, 2007 1:26AM

<< I'm not here to sell it. I was just asked, so I answered.

Is the MS 61 a real grade, or just an annoyed grade because you don't think I belong on this forum? >>

HINT:

<----- teasing
LOL= Laughing OUT LOUD

Re: See my first post !
Do I seem annoyed ? Nah, I was just saying since you were interested in selling it to list it on the BST so I could buy it

. I really think it's close to MS66, but draw your own conclusions.
I'm Joe and thanks for taking notice of my comments. Please do not take offense to anything.

See ? ---------->

I'm happy, not annoyed.

edit to add :

<< I intend to sell it, as I don't collect Buffaloes and have sat on it for a couple years hoping to get to a show where NGC or PCGS is there. Just been too busy, and haven't been to a coin show in over a year. Anyone have a nice half cent they want to trade for it?? >>

I dont' have a half cent but I'll buy one of equal value to trade ya !
Anyway , that is where I came up with the idea that you were intending to sell it !

ricko · February 11, 2007 2:07AM

If you do list it... please PM me as well.. thanks, Cheers, RickO

ipmman · February 11, 2007 2:10AM

Acetone? Hmmm, I haven't done stuff like that since i was about 10 years old. Those baking soda soaked pennies looked almost MS-65!

I did see an article in the Numismatist about it. Will the solvent nature of the acetone affect the luster? Any specifics on how to do this? Do I risk a Body bag?

Joe, Of course the MS-61 grade made me PO'ed. Do you think my eyes are good enough to see the little winking eyeballs of the smileys? No wonder I can't grade.

So I'm seeing MS-64-66. So it seems worth slabbing, at least financially. Would I do better with NGC or PCGS, and is it worth sending to NCS to see if they can clean up the surface?

Thanks everyone for the info.

Oh, and let me add, it is not a 2 feather variety, there is definately a 3rd feather there, though barely.

Shamika · February 11, 2007 2:15AM

<< Will the solvent nature of the acetone affect the luster? Any specifics on how to do this? Do I risk a Body bag? >>

Acetone may or may not remove the spots, but it's completely harmless to the coin and it's luster. Let it soak for a while and be careful not to rub the coin, inhale the fumes, or smoke in the general vacinity.

And if the coin BB's, it had nothing to do with the acetone.

Also, I wouldn't bother with NCS. But that's just my own opinion.

291fifth · February 11, 2007 2:17AM

MS63. The carbon spots are very distracting and equal negative eye-appeal.

intocoins · February 11, 2007 4:54AM

I've never had any luck with removing spots like that with acetone and i have let coins soak for weeks upon ends. I'm not saying it does'nt happen just never when I have done it. Usually what I end up doing is taking a Q-tip or toothpick while in the acetone and lightly remove it if possible. Sometimes even then there is a dark spot underneath the fleck. Good luck. By the way The coin looks like a solid 65 IMHO

cape · February 11, 2007 5:02AM

it will not hurt the coin to try acetone. and if your afraid to try, pm me and ill tell you how to do it properly.

DieClash · February 11, 2007 5:10AM

<< it will not hurt the coin to try acetone. and if your afraid to try, pm me and ill tell you how to do it properly. >>

So how does one do it properly Cape?

<< Usually what I end up doing is taking a Q-tip or toothpick while in the acetone and lightly remove it if possible >>

And for intocoins, wouldn't the Q-tip leave undesirable hairlines on the coins surface? Not to mention what an errant toohpick thrust might do.

marxbuff · February 11, 2007 5:22AM

<< 

<< it will not hurt the coin to try acetone. and if your afraid to try, pm me and ill tell you how to do it properly. >>

So how does one do it properly Cape?

<< Usually what I end up doing is taking a Q-tip or toothpick while in the acetone and lightly remove it if possible >>

And for intocoins, wouldn't the Q-tip leave undesirable hairlines on the coins surface? Not to mention what an errant toohpick thrust might do. >>

A q-tip will not hurt the surface of the hard nickel, just go lightly inbetween soakings.

On an added note, is it just my imagination or is there something going on between the 25 in the date and above the "ED' in united.

cape · February 11, 2007 5:32AM

you can massage the surface with your fingers only with 90% ALCOHOL as this isnt harmful to the skin. acetone can work but dont in any way put your skin in contact with acetone .ALSO WEAR A MASK WITH ACETONE, AS ACETONE CAN GIVE YOU FUTURE RESPERTORY PROBLEMS WHEN BEING EXPOSED TO IT. im not going to say this will work ,but you have nothing to lose. again this 25 p is as struck up as ive seen for the date and yes i would call myself a specialist in this very hard series to grade. good luck .

ipmman · February 11, 2007 9:53AM

<< 
On an added note, is it just my imagination or is there something going on between the 25 in the date and above the "ED' in united.
>>

Tell me what you think there is, and i'll check it out...

ipmman · April 23, 2007 10:36AM

FYI,

This nickel is now on the Buy, Sell & Trade forum

tightbudget · April 23, 2007 10:42AM

<< 

<< The man once suggested if the coin wasn't worth a hundy, it wasn't worth slabbing.
Since then, I've seen another statement implying that....
"it's a personal choice". If it's worth it to you to have it in a slab that may be MS64 or 65, by all means, send it in. If you like them raw, which is great, too, then call it an MS66 and put it in the album

>>

Touche

(should have the ' thingy on the e, but I don't know how to do it). >>

You mean an accent aigu? Like this: Touché

koynekwest · April 23, 2007 12:25PM

Very nicely struck for the date. It is not an attenuated feather variety, tho-it's just the angle of the picture that makes it look that way.

Shortgapbob · April 23, 2007 12:57PM

So, the coin was submitted to PCGS and no-graded due to cleaning?

1925 Buffalo, grading opinions Please?

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