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1936 Proof Buffalo Nickels. (picture added)
keets
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I recently acquired a Satin finish 1936 Proof Buffalo Nickel and it's caused me to wonder about the pricing of the two Types from that year. While the Satin finish coins were struck in higher numbers than their Brilliant counterparts, they apparently survived in lower numbers, especially in higher grades. Contrary to what would make sense, the demand seems to be for the Brilliant Proofs which results in higher prices.
Any reasonable explanation for this seeming anomaly in rarity vs. price for an always popular issue?? Thanks.
Al H.
Any reasonable explanation for this seeming anomaly in rarity vs. price for an always popular issue?? Thanks.
Al H.
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Rarity aside, due to their often-seen DEEP mirror surfaces, the brilliant Proofs are much more appealing and flashy looking to many collectors. The Satin Proofs, on the other hand, display excellent strikes, but are otherwise difficult to distinguish from ho-hum business strikes. They are, therefore, not as desirable to collectors who want a Proof coin to really stand out.
<< <i>Rarity aside, due to their often-seen DEEP mirror surfaces, the brilliant Proofs are much more appealing and flashy looking to many collectors. The Satin Proofs, on the other hand, display excellent strikes, but are otherwise difficult to distinguish from ho-hum business strikes. They are, therefore, not as desirable to collectors who want a Proof coin to really stand out. >>
I thought I just said that.
Actually, there are only TWO types of proofs in the Buff series.
David Lange, in his book, mentions that the original finish is more of the Satin type, than the Matte.
The still are called Matte, though. (mistakenly)
Collectors around the turn of the century were used to the brilliant proofs, and when the mint changed the proofing process, they became very disenchanted.
Too bad the Mint didn't correct the problem until 1936.
Hope this helps.
Pete
<<I thought I just said that>>
You did, and I was apparently typing my response during that time. Please consider my previous post, then, as being in strong agreement with yours.
The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)
BTW-Satin proofs are easy to distinguish from business strikes if you know what to look for. This can't be said for some of the matte proofs tho.
As to popularity and pricing, I think what others have stated here is true...many people prefer the brilliant
look for a proof coin. Personally, I love the satin and matte proofs and hope to one day complete a set.
Ken
aren't you moving in the wrong direction, Ken??
wanting a bridge over the creek for six years. It's kind of odd, but essentially I have traded that
little piece of metal for a 24' long 51" x 66" elliptical culvert - is that crazy, or what?
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
6 or 7 years ago for $1600. The price seemed a little high at the time and I passed on
it. Definitely a coin I regret not buying...
WS
As Lange notes, all the first 1936 proofs were satin - just with varying degrees of texture depending on die wear.
Proofs form 1858 to about 1974 were struck on a medal press once, not twice.
the "Red-X" pictures were on a different server and have been lost/deleted, but i have fresh ones. to be honest, i can't see how anyone could mistake this coin for a something that "looks more like an uncirculated coin" or that it's "difficult to distinguish from ho-hum business strikes" or anything else. the pictures aside, it looks like a Proof in hand, perhaps not like a typical brilliant Proof, but it just doesn't look like an exceptionally well struck Mint State coin with reflective surfaces. that notion is ludicrous.
while we're at it, consider this true strory which is kind of neat. about two weeks ago i was inventorying a group of Lincoln Cents my boss had bought, VG-VF dates mostly from the teens. there were about 25 rolls all total with a sprinkling of XF/AU coins and even several unc's which i was setting aside for retail sale. most of the stuff was in tubes but i had to cut some out of the 2x2's they were in for fresh ones. a 1913 caught my eye and i picked it up for a closer look.
you guessed it, the coin was a Matte Proof with the unmistakeable high, flat, wide rims, well seperated bust of Lincoln, crisp lettering and lovely fields. it's at PCGS right now where it should grade PR63-4BN. the only thing i can figure is that the previous owner(s) didn't know what a Proof coin of that era/type looked like. i learned "the look" here at the forum, it's unmistakeable.
i consider it my Numismatic good-deed for that week!!!