What is '2 feathers' on a 1925-S Buffalo Nickel?

REALGATOR · July 23, 2007 9:13AM

I've got a handful of this date in decent circulated condition and was wondering what is a 2 feathers Buffalo as opposed to a regular one. How many feathers are on a regular strike?

Thanks....

icsoccer · July 23, 2007 10:07AM

Normally there are 3. The mint abraded some dies creating some with only 2 feathers.
It's a ton of fun to try to put together a set, although not all dates available. See book by Ron Pope / "Abraded Die Varities"

TexasNationals · July 23, 2007 10:08AM

the third feather, the small one above the date is abraded or polished away, only the two large feathers are there. Hope this helps.

REALGATOR · July 23, 2007 11:08AM

Thanks. I'll give 'em a look. If I see one that looks different, I'll post the varieties side by side.

intocoins · July 23, 2007 11:12AM

On two feather Buffalo's , the third feather is missing. Hope this helps.

REALGATOR · July 23, 2007 11:31AM

intocoins,

Great illustration. Thanks for the confirmation. The batch I have are mostly G and VG so hopefully I'll be able to see the difference if there is a scarce 2 feather in the bunch.

Type2 · July 23, 2007 11:52AM

Shamika · July 23, 2007 11:03PM

Below is an image of a 2 feather variety. Notice that the inner most feather is missing primarily due die clash.

Also, 2 1/2 feather varieties are also collected sometimes. The image below shows parts of the inner most feather, thus 2 1/2 feather designation.

Here's a piece that is still considered 2 1/2 feathers, but is virtually 2 feathers.

koynekwest · July 24, 2007 2:41AM

Many of the dates in this series are known with this abraded die error-1913-D-1, 1915, 1915-D, 1916, 1916-S, 1917 P,D S, 1918, 1918-S, 1919-P,D,S, 1920-P,D,S, 1921-P & S, 1923, 1925-P,D,S, 1926, 1926-D, 1927-D, 1929, 1929-S, and 1930-S. A 1927-S is reported. New ones turn up every now and then, but most have probably been discovered. Some are commom-1916, 1918-S, 1921, 1925-S, and some are of considerable rarity-1913-S-1, 1915-D, 1916-S, 1919-S, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1927-D are some of the rarer ones. It's quite a task to assemble a complete set-I still lacked a half dozen dates after 35 years of looking for them.

REALGATOR · July 29, 2007 3:06AM

I just looked through the roll of 1925-S buffalos and looks like there's one 2 feather critter. If this doesnt qualify then none do.

On another topic: If you're looking for a nice PCGS MS63 $5 gold half eagle for your collection, I've got one for sale on the buy, sell and trade forum.

fcloud · July 29, 2007 3:10AM

Regulator

Cool. What does the reverse look like--your obverse photo makes it look like the dies may have clashed.

yellowjacket · July 29, 2007 3:15AM

Realgator,
You can safely remove the black gunk from your nickel with a Q-tip and some acetone. It will dissolve quickly leaving a nice, original coin.

Remember: Acetone is highly flammable. Handle with care.

Garrow

fcloud · July 29, 2007 3:19AM

<< <i>Realgator,
You can safely remove the black gunk from your nickel with a Q-tip and some acetone. It will dissolve quickly leaving a nice, original coin.

Remember: Acetone is highly flammable. Handle with care.

Garrow >>

Don't rub your q-tip. Roll it gently!

RWB · July 29, 2007 3:23AM

How about this version with 3 feathers...

REALGATOR · July 29, 2007 4:32AM

fcloud,

Here's the reverse. I'm not well versed in grading Buffalos. What's your take on the grade and what do you think the price premium is for this variety? Thanks.

cmerlo1 · July 29, 2007 5:05AM

Here's another example (this one is missing the F below the date also):

Newcomp103 · July 29, 2007 12:44PM

<< <i>I'm not well versed in grading Buffalos. What's your take on the grade and what do you think the price premium is for this variety? Thanks >>

Not sure on the premium for the 2 feather variety...but the coin shows a lot of wear, and the rim looks odd to me in the pic...the reverse shows fine details in the Buffalo, but I would grade it VG at best. Nice one!

kevinstang · July 29, 2007 1:41PM

Coin looks to have had some of the front neck removed as well, I think this is a variety listed as well in Pope's book. Strong evidence of the "E Pluribus Unum" clash as well under jaw and the opposite on the reverse above buffalo's back.

What is '2 feathers' on a 1925-S Buffalo Nickel?

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