V-Nickel and Buffalo - what would you grade these?

Hey Folks,
What do you think for a grade on this one? Check out all the die cracks on the reverse, around the words. At least that's what I assume they are.




What about this one? I see a few spots, would it even grade?

 

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I would grade the V a 64 judging from these photos; the gash on the nose is keeping it from 65.

Staying away from the Buffalo; don't like those spots.

And yes, the cracks are die cracks.

 

The v nickel I would grade a ms 61 and the buffalo ms 64

 

Nice coins

 

The v nickel I would guess is a proof, so proof 65, lots of nice cracks on that one.

The buffalo I will say is a 61

 

I look at it and think it might be a proof also. However, it was purchased with the assumption it wasn't. So I am not very sure.

 

1883 - 64
1937-d 63

 

Agree with Ovalman on the 64, but I think the cloudy rev will hold it back from a 5

Buffalo depending on luster 65/66

 

It's not a proof; proof coins are not poorly struck. Look at the 1st three stars (not to mention the reverse).

 

Point taken.

 

It's entirely possible for a proof coin that old to not have a full strike, although the quality (or lack thereof) of strike on this coin would be unusual. I've seen a number of proof Barber halves with unexceptional strikes.

No, I don't think the coin in this thread is a proof, either. The luster on this coin looks like business strike luster.

 

deleted. Database issues with Coin Talk.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the information.

 

It could be that the dies were polished to try and get rid of some of the cracks, giving you a proof-like coin.

 

I confess I'm no proof expert but have never seen a proof V with this weak a strike. I'm not doubting your comment but agree a proof strike this incomplete would be very unusual.

 

Here is a business strike with polished dies which lend a proof-like appearance to the fields. Notice there is more contrast (in texture) between portrait and field than in the OP's coin.




PS: I'm not sure polishing would ever have been done to try to remove cracks.

 

Polishing usually occurs at either of two times -- when the die is new, or when they wish to remove clashes. Polishing a cracked die would likely as not be counterproductive, depending largely on how deep the cracks are.

BTW, nice coin! Much nicer strike than the OP's.

 

Thanks; I picked it up at your place of employment. :smile

 

hey! Be nice!

 

I was thinking the same thing; it's your thread! Seriously, I'm sure no harm was intended. Your OP is a nice coin; clean Liberty; just a little soft on the left ear of corn which is the norm.