Grade it: 1936 Buffalo Nickel

I would have guessed 63 from the images. You don't want to here my opinion of ANACS.

 

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We're not kind. We're dirty, mean, rotten scoundrels. But we love opinions.........

 

Stop looking so surprised. You're runnin' with the big dogs JW........LOL........

 

Actually, I kind of do. I know many here have a low opinion of them; I've just never heard anyone convincingly explain why, especially when people here consistently grade about the same as they do...

And yeah, I know the pics aren't that great. But 63, seriously? Where are the marks to justify that low? Ironically the pics would have to be better to see such hypothetical marks to justify that low of a grade lol... Heck, you even admit that's just a guess.

On another note I'm almost ready to give up trying to provide pictures of coins anyway. It's just too much of a pain with the equipment I have just to end up with pictures that don't look very good anyway. And not going to spend money for whatever equipment it takes just to provide better pictures. Rather spend that kind of money on coins lol...

 

I won't argue the ANACS issue. I will say that I was once a big fan before all the changes that took place. Having the variety shown on the slab was a big thing for me in those days.

My guess of 63 was based on an image that did not show luster, strike details, or the lack of contact marks. If it had shown killer luster or eye appeal, I may have guessed 64 or 65.

 

Here's a raw buff I have that has a good strike, to show you an example of a decently-struck buff. The OP's coin looks like it's better struck in some areas whereas mine looks better struck in other areas. This one cost me $20.

 

Sure, that is a good strike, but I think you are confusing a bad blown out picture, with lack of details in the coin. The details are there, they are just blown out and cannot be seen in the pictures. Pictures are often deceiving. Look at the area on your pic that I highlighted. See those two grooves. They are also present on the OP's coin. Most Buff's do not have them. The areas around those grooves are the highest point on the nickel. As soon as you see them, you know the metal has flowed into the deepest recesses of the die. If you doubt me, try to find a GOOD pic, with those two grooves that is not a good strike. If you can do that, I will conceed your point. BTW, don't look for this on the early date Buffs, the design is slighly different.





Now in addition. If you look at the OP's coin, you can see a very well defined split tail. On yours, not so much. The Liberty is also hammered better on the OP coin. Also look closly at the feather detail. I see less detail on your coin.

Now as long as we are comparing full strikes.
Here is one of mine that is absolutley hammered.

 

LOL - do like me - buy from dealers who take better pictures than me. Then politely ask to use the pictures - not been turned down yet.

 

Trooden, if you like and in the interest of the discussion I am having with fade to black, I would be happy to take high quality pics for you of that coin for free. For me it would be interesting to see if I am correct about the strike. If interested let me know. I will even pay return shipping.

Mike

 

What a good deal there ^

 

That's a fine looking nickel right there. Any shots of the reverse?

 

Sure...

 

Thanks. That's a great looking coin. Cool toning and like you said, super sharp strike. I suck at the whole grading thing but that one has to be up there, yes? 66?

 

The folks at NGC decided to grace the plastic with a 67 label. It is an older slab and one day I plan to re-submit it to get the * (star) . I think the coin deserves it.