Buffalo Nickel Grade Help

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Mark Metzger, Jan 15, 2026 at 8:30 PM.

  1. Mark Metzger

    Mark Metzger Well-Known Member

    I’m bad at a lot of things and one of those things is determining grades of Buffalo nickels. I’d love some insights into the grades of these better date Buffalos. Thanks in advance!
    Also, is the 1927 an S and is the 1915 a D? Like I said I’m bad at these.
    IMG_0665.jpeg IMG_0666.jpeg IMG_0667.jpeg IMG_0668.jpeg IMG_0669.jpeg IMG_0670.jpeg IMG_0671.jpeg IMG_0672.jpeg IMG_0673.jpeg IMG_0674.jpeg
     
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  3. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    The 1915 is definitely a D.
    The 1927 is... wow, that really is hard to tell. I'd say it looks most like an S.

    As for grades, are you familiar with Photograde? https://www.pcgs.com/photograde/

    It used to be a book with descriptions (you can buy older copies). PCGS bought them out and made a website which provides reference photos for each grade, and you match your coin to the grade.

    I'll be honest... due to the wide variance in striking conditions and die behaviors, Buffalo's are probably *the* hardest series of all US coins to grade properly. I'll call a coin F+ and someone else will call it EF.
     
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  4. Mark Metzger

    Mark Metzger Well-Known Member

    I’ve used photograde for years but on these Buffalos, like you mention, I’m all 9ver the place.
     
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  5. gronnh20

    gronnh20 Well-Known Member

    If you can see all of the horn of the buffalo the coin will grade at least 40 or above.
     
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  6. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    Hard to say without seeing them in hand.
    XF/AU
    XF/AU
    VF/XF
    VF/XF
    VF
     
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  7. BuffaloHunter

    BuffaloHunter Short of a full herd Supporter

    Love the “Woodie” 1914!
     
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  8. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    At least the Buffalo has 4 legs. :D
     
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  9. Mark Metzger

    Mark Metzger Well-Known Member

    It sure is nice isn’t it. The horn is nice and full. I’d say it’s an AU coin.
     
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  10. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    One at a time would be better in my opinion. They all appear to be in good condition; I like them but I'm not into Buffalo Nickels. Good luck.
     
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