I purchased a 2006 Buffalo gold coin, which arrived today, from a prominent dealer (They advertise on google). The coin is sealed in a US Mint plastic wrapper. When I measure the thickness it seems that the thickness varies by a bit less than 1/32in as I measure around the rim of the coin. It looks almost like it was struck at a slight angle. Is that possible? Measurements in the wrapper. Coin is still in the wrapper. Diameter = 1.297 in. (caliper with smallest increment 1/32) Weight = 32.4 g (My Weight Z-300) 1) Does the coin sound legit, it looks good to me (lettering looks sharp), but it is the only Buffalo I have seen. 2) Is it an error coin, or is it an illusion caused by the plastic wrapper?
Howdy geo8rge - Welcome to the Forum !! The weight you mention is bothersome, it should be 31.103 grams or 480 grains. Are you sure your scale is accurate ?
The weight is in the plastic wrapper, so it should weigh a bit more than the coin alone. The scale sets to zero before weighing. It is not a an expensive scale. I do not have a calibration weight. These are some quarters I weighed. 2005 quarter 5.8g 2006 quarter 5.7g 2001 quarter 5.6g 2005 quarter 5.7g 1965 quarter 5.6g 1985 quarter 5.6g The scale says: "Capacity: 300g x 0.1g" This my scale: http://www.myweigh.com/pocketscales_120z.html
OK, did not realize you were weighing the holder too. I'd weigh it by itself, but it's probably fine. As for the thickness of the planchet being slightly varied, yes it's possible but not meaninful as long as the weight is correct.
"planchet being slightly varied, yes it's possible" Seems like sloppy workmanship compared to other coins, Peso, Sovereign, Kruggerand.
I was unaware that these coins came from the mint in a plastic wrapper. The ones that I received directly from the mint we not so covered. The uncirculated ones were not wrapped at all, so who knows at what stage of this transaction they had plastic wrappers put on them. I don't believe there is any such thing as a "US Mint plastic wrapper" for Buffalo coins.
Overall, I think the US Mint is doing an outstanding job compared to others. Minting is a manufacturing process, after all... All manufacturers will have some items off spec. I've often wondered about buying bullion coins from dealers as opposed to the Mint... If I buy from dealers - or anywhere other than the Mint - am I getting the dregs after they cherry pick ? Just a thought...
The Unc Buffalos were shipped direct from the mint in sheets of coin flips holding 20 coins. I assume that is the plastic wrapper being referred to. Apparently the dealer cut the sheets into individual flips.
"I assume that is the plastic wrapper being referred to." The wrapper is square with the coin in a raised bubble in the middle. On close inspection it was hand cut, so the dealer probably got a sheet of them. I think keeping it in it's 'flip' was a good idea. So is this an error coin, or just less than perfect?
When the mint strikes coins there are certain tolerances for weight, diameter, planchet thickness etc. It is not uncommon for some coins to be slightly different in these repsects. So the answer to your question - just less than perfect.
