Check out this Buffalo Nickel

39Special · December 1, 2009 3:09PM

Ok guys, need some expert advice which I can always count on from this group. I'm putting together an order for grading and have a mix of raw coins and regrades (or crackouts). This one is a 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel graded MS65 from the early 90's just after the rattler went away. It has some really nice green, lavender, and champagne toning that doesn't render well in my pictures, unfortunately. I was disappointed that the LIBERTY is weakly struck, but perhaps the coin overall is well struck for this date compared to some other 1913 Type 2's I've seen. Very few marks, just a couple on the buffalo, one that you can see in the pictures and one that is a tad larger but harder to pick up, which runs horizontally through the hair detail of the buffalo's shoulder area, and a tick on the horn. The obverse has virtually zero marks of significance, save for a tiny tick on the T in LIBERTY, and a tick in the 3 in the date, and one near the eye. Luster is really nice, and fields have only the tiniest of imperfections that you need a 10x to see. So, what's the consensus here, should I send it in for a regrade or crack it out for a regrade? Does it have the look of an MS66 from what you can tell? If nothing else, if I submitted it again I could get some nice TrueViews which I would gladly share with the crowd. And just so you know, I'm not going to sell this coin anytime soon, I plan on keeping and enjoying it for years to come, I'd just prefer it in an MS66 holder if that's where it truly belongs. Thanks!

InternetJunky · December 1, 2009 3:19PM

Based on the images I would say 65 is an appropriate grade IMO.

ecichlid · December 1, 2009 3:22PM

<< <i>Based on the images I would say 65 is an appropriate grade IMO. >>

Type2 · December 1, 2009 3:28PM

No it will stay in the MS65 holder needs more of a hit in the strike need to keep looking. But that is just me. nice Buff.

sinin1 · December 1, 2009 3:49PM

I was going to guess 64 because of strike and nicks on the buffalo leg

Crack-outs are tough now - I would suggest a re-grade

they crack it out and you get the 65 or 66 but if it goes 64 - they give you money to boot (my understanding)

Elcontador · December 1, 2009 4:24PM

Imo, it's appropriately graded, so I'd leave it alone. These coins normally are well struck, so a weak Liberty is not a positive sign. The coin has far too many hits on the Buff's hip for it to be in a six holder. The image doesn't give one the impression that the eye appeal of the coin is of a superior quality (though it's not bad), so that's another reason why I think you'd be wasting your time trying to upgrade it. It's not a bad coin for the grade, but as a matter of first impression, it's not close to a "shot coin."

morgandollar1878 · December 1, 2009 5:09PM

I think that 65 is appropriate for the grade.

BUFFNIXX · December 1, 2009 9:10PM

I would go with the MS65 grade, no chance for a 66 from either pcgs or ngc -- or anacs or icg in fact.
It is right where it should be.
Only way to get a 66 or higher would be to crack out and send to one of the root-cellar grading dis-services.

It is a very nice coin, enjoy the coin and not the holder or the numerical grade.

buffnixx

Flatwoods · December 1, 2009 9:15PM

I see 65 as well.

ponderit · December 1, 2009 10:36PM

I'm in the same boat with a 1913 Type 1 currently in an old small Accugrade holder as a 66. It's a beautiful coin with very few nicks but it's a weak strike. I think it would go as a 65 in a PCGS holder and I'll probably send it in and hope it does. I bought it 6 or 7 years ago for 64 money so I really don't see a downside. If you regrade let me know how it works out.
Bill

LRCTom · December 2, 2009 12:05AM

I agree with the 65, but as tough as the services are behaving these days, a crackout could result in a 64. Too many little hits for a 66, and it's a bit softer struck than some at the braid. LIBERTY on 1913 Buffs is usually struck in low relief, so that wouldn't be a major issue. Bottom line: you've got a nice MS-65.

...Tom

crazyhounddog · December 2, 2009 12:37AM

I think it's a very nice coin for the date, as the 1913 type 2s are not always struck this sharply. I would also grade this piece at 65 and maybe a shot at 66 from what I've seen on the market....Joe

ricko · December 2, 2009 12:42AM

My recommendation is to leave it as is..... if you crack it, likely it will come back as 64. There are much better coins in 65 holders now. If you insist on sending it, specify same grade/better or return. Cheers, RickO

39Special · December 2, 2009 3:09AM

Thanks for the input everyone, as always. It's great to hear from those that have collected a particular series for years. I have collected Jefferson nickels, Lincoln cents, and Washington quarters for years and would consider myself somewhat of an expert on grading those series, but I'm relatively new to the Buffaloes. It's a great design and what I really like is all the great colors you can easily find on MS coins; I had no idea! This coin has really nice tones that don't even begin to come through in my pictures. I want the TrueView on this one so will send it in for regrading and will share with everyone when I get it back. It looks great in hand so I'd give it at least a marginal shot at 66 and would honestly say I don't think this coin would ever end up in anything less than a 65.

koynekwest · December 2, 2009 6:28AM

"LIBERTY" is weak on all dates and Mints from 1913 thru 1915, even on the proofs, so this shouldn't affect the grade at all as it is a characteristic of the master die. This was corrected in 1916. I'd also be inclined to keep it in it's present holder.

Shamika · December 2, 2009 11:37AM

MS65

Check out this Buffalo Nickel

Comments

Leave a Comment