I've been looking to upgrade my 3c nickel example and came across this one. It's graded PCGS MS63. Does it look like a heavy die clash on the obverse? There also appears to be a die clash on the reverse but it is less noticeable. What do y'all think? Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Yep. Definite clashmarks. Very pronounced. I think they're neat, though not everyone likes them. They seem to be more common on 3cNs than any other type, for some reason.
I do like the clash, it's stronger than what I've normally seen both with 3c nickel and silvers. Any sort of premium attached to this? He's asking $160 which is more than what I was thinking, if there's no premium on this I'd rather spend a little more for a better example.
I like the clash on the obverse, but this 3 cent nickel in XF is $40 retail. Clashes are very common with this series. $160 seems like a gouge to me.
I've never put much stock in the price guides posted by any grading service or magazine. They're too intent on blowing their own horn. Chris
Oh I've noticed, but to be honest if I'm out and about (especially at a coin show) it makes for a handy jumping off point. Didn't come across anything else to determine a comparable price for another example. I may pass on this and go for one with a nice complete, clean strike.
Very nice. At least two sets of clashmarks on both sides, possibly a third clash on the obverse. Obv clash is VERY heavy especially behind the neck with the vertical lines from the III showing very strongly, almost like they were part of the obv design. At least three die cracks on the reverse with rim cuds from 11:00 to 2:00. Reverse die has been severely polished weakening the leaves of the wreath at the lower right and almost completely removing the ribbons below the wreath. Since the clashes are still there the two we see must have occurred AFTER the die polishing.
Well then you've answered your own question. I don't see this as MS 63. Seems to show wear on both sides. I guess all those die breaks on the reverse don't hurt the grade. Certain series seem to be graded differently. I believe the same criteria should be used for all coins, regardless of date, rarity or type. At MS-63 $160 is not unreasonable.
I think what you're seeing as "wear" is in fact weak strike. It can certainly be difficult to distinguish light rub from weak strike sometimes, but I'm fairly confident in PCGS' ability to do it.
You have more confidence in PCGS than I do. The graders are over worked and look at a coin for 10-15 seconds. Besides the weak strike, there is wear on the high points of the obverse, the hair, from the eyes over the ears and down to the neck. On the reverse on the ribbon and the leaves.
It is a matter of personal taste. I suppose some people find them distracting. I do think those people are in the minority. Most find them interesting. They are usually a neutral attribute; in other words they neither add nor subtract much from the value of a coin most of the time. However, particularly strong clashes (especially ones in which one can read backwards lettering or see the mirroring of interesting design features) can be worth a premium. I once owned a high grade early Bust half with some amazing clashes on it, and have seen others. Those sort of things can be worth a bit more. The fact that one can see Lady Liberty's nose, lips, and chin (upside-down) to the left of the Roman numeral "III" on this coin is pretty neat. Is the clashing on this particular coin worth a premium? I don't know. Maybe to the right buyer. Clashmarks are common on 3cNs, as mentioned, but they're particularly strong and interesting here.
Thanks all for your comments and insight! I agree the clash is pretty dang neat but in the end I didn't purchase it. In this case I decided to go for a more complete and issue free strike - which I'm still looking for. From a doing a little research and ebay browsing it seems that clashes between different designs is more sought after than a clash of the same series (am I correct here?) - although I'm sure there are plenty of people that collect both.
Because some people want their coins "perfect" with no "distractions". They want good strikes, no die cracks, and die clashes etc. These people get VERY frustrated if they try to buy nickel three cent or shield nickels.