Think I Might Have Been Optimistic on This Buffalo

I am starting to think that telling grade from pics is dicey at best. Of course, I only have about 3-4 days experience grading in person! Anyway, I have a grade in my mind for this Buffalo Nickel and it did not have a grade in the ad. What do you guys think?

I took many sets of pics and these are the best 4. Interesting how different the same coin looks in different pics. I made them thumbnails this time so the page loads faster.

http://www.wallyblackburn.com/grade

Oh, and I made it a link this time.

Thanks,
Wally

 

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Wally:
Looks like a Good-4, perhaps a bit better.
What is the date and mintmark?

 

i think its an ag 3 or g4

 

Im going with G-4. And Frank, it looks like a 1926-d.

 

It is a 1920-D...

 

looks like a 1924-D to me. pretty clear too. lol(?)

 

I will defer to those with better vision.

 

I agree, looks like a 24-D to me

 

Please look at this one on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130142261756

That is PCGS F-12. And I really think mine looks as good as it does. Keep in mind, I am not arguing with you guys - just trying to learn. Do you think they just took lousy pics maybe?

Thanks,
Wally

 

1. That is definitely 1924-D
2. Not an expert, but yours does NOT look as good as the F-12.
3. It is just as definitely better than my certified G-4. Therefore, I would assume that it is VG

 

vg-8 was my first thought

 

It sure looks like a 24-d to me also. As for the grade I'll have to say VG8.

 

I think from the pictures the pcgs coins has just a few more details. On the obverse yours seems slightly more worn through the horn and tail areas. Keep in mind the PCGS coin could have more details that you can not see from the pictures. At the same time your coin could also have more details that we can not see.

Personally I would grade both coins VG8 from the pictures and based off what I read in the ANA book. F-12 says for obverse: three quarters of details show in hair and braid. Liberty is plain. Reverse: Major details are visible along the back. Horn and tails are smooth, but partially visible. Rim is complete but flat in spots.

My humble opinion.

 

top one is 1924 D
second is 1920 D

 

Yes, yes it is a 1924-D. Sorry - just a typo...

wrb

 

VG-8 on the 1924D

 

OK, now for the last card...

Here is the original eBay listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140145645192

What would you have thought based on those pics? I mean, when I resize the windows and put them side-by-side, my coin has quite a bit more detail. Look at anything close to the rim - "United States of America", "Liberty", the Buffalo's head...

Again, not disputing what more experienced folks are telling me, just trying to understand how (if?) I can look at pics of coins on eBay (or elsewhere) and decide what I am willing to pay.

Thanks,
Wally (who's been to the bar and should probably quit posting and go to bed...)

 

Wally
nicer coin in the listing.

 

Its a '24 D

Grade is beyond me.

Ruben

 

It is tough to grade off pictures - you just do the best you can. I do not bid on a lot of coins just because I can not see the details that the price of the coin is going at. Doesn't make me right - but I find it safer. Even with a good return policy you are usually looking at shipping to and from the seller - I dislike paying to hold a coin in hand to see what it is really like. Do not assume that a coin in a holder(including PCGS) that is graded correctly. I find grading companies go real easy on key and semi-key dates.