rbm86

What do you think of this Buffalo Nickel? Look at the reverse on the enlarged photos. It looks like there is a noticeable pit in the coin at the top middle of the buffalo. Do you think PCGS and NGC would "bodybag" the coin for that?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEBWA:IT

jody526

Just my opinion, but I would be highly suspicious of that toning.
Check out what some of his customers have to say:

FEEDBACK (click)

National dealer

I would stay away from this coin. The pic is good enough to spot several tell tale signs of retoning.

rbm86

Thanks, Jody, that's a nifty program for finding negative feedback. I usually review the negs but with that seller it was tough to sift through thousands of feedback posts. Goes to show you that even 0.2% negative feedback could be signficant!

National Dealer, what about the toning looks suspect? The blues or combo of colors? It seems like most toning on buffs is gold, which can get ugly if there is too much of it.

National dealer

It is a little tough to try and explain. When you have viewed many thousands of coins over the years, you start to pick up on little things.

Now this is difficult in photo's, but still enough to worry.

For example, if you look close between the Buffalo's legs, and under his head you will see straight lines flowing towards the word America. This leads me to believe that this coin has been wiped.
Now if you look at the gold toning, it is completely blotchy everywhere. While some coins will get blotchy in spots, it is incredibly rare to look like this all over.
Look for the dull spots on the back, shoulder, belly, hind leg, and cheek. Looks like a dip gone bad.
I have no idea what the spot on the shoulder is. Looks like a burn mark.
The obverse just has a weird look to it. Almost looks like a whizzing. The halo effect really concerns me.
Now all of these things can occur on occasion. It is just enough that without seeing the coin in person would keep me from making an offer on it.

Like I said, it is kind of hard to explain, but I hope that helps.

Pilgrim

I have a very nice artificially bright blue toned jeff that I bought when I first started collecting. Be carefull, read all the forums and ask all the questions! Cost me around $30.00, I think jody has probably seen it, if he remembers.

jody526

I sure do remember that coin, Steve.
You've come a long way, in a short time.
Recognizing your mistakes, and learning to avoid making the same ones again, is a trial we all go through.
Keep up the good work!