1916 Buffalo Nickel grading test.....

Here are two 1916 Buffalo nickels , both have some color both are graded by two different TPG's.
Your job is to pick the better grade.....but is the better grade on the slab or in your eye?
You be the judge coin A or B? A B A B

Images loaded obv/obv. rev./rev. So you can compare the two.
* coin A does not have a rim cud, that is plastic from the slab.

 

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I am definitely taking coin A. If it isn't the higher graded coin, it should be.

 

I’ll be contrarian and choose coin B.

This is a very challenging comparison, since the coins are so close.

There are lighting differences that also make the comparison challenging, as some features are more emphasized in one picture compared to the other. I imagined that the obverse of B is essentially the same as A, but I would expect the golden toning to enhance the eye appeal as it is moved under the light.

The reverse is a harder comparison. Coin A is lit from below at the 6:00 position, while coin B appears to be lit from a 10:00 direction. More of B is in shadows, while the contours of A are very clear. There’s no question that A’s reverse is terrific. B has a little strike weakness on the top of the legend UNITED STATES. The toning on the reverse also looks like it would add to the eye appeal, whereas the strike may not matter to the grader. It’s really, really close, but I’ll go with B.

 

Part of the comparison problem is that the coins are not illuminated the same.
Taking that into consideration to me B has the slightly better strike.
But its eye appeal is a bit less.

 

Coin A looks kinda mushy.

 

I choose coin A. Coin B looks a little baggy where coin A appears to have above average surfaces

 

Here's a little information to go on...
There was a slight change to the design this year.This change by most goes unnoticed. "Liberty" is more distinct and set father in from the rim.
This year for the most part with decent strike and good luster!
Sharpness of design weak 2% typical 40% sharp 50% full 8%
Yes there were 2 lights used to shoot both coins, 1 directly above at 12k the other moved to light across the surface to show the color of the toning as well luster under the tone.
True the question asked was which coin was graded higher.....A or B but the true purpose of this thread is to get you to use what you know ,and understand about buffalo nickels to make a choice.....in your eye.....and give a reason why these 2 coins differ in your opion.
Another point one may consider is time frame of the slabs graded and by whom.....which can make a difference in grades....but at this point of this thread will not be given as again .....your call not the TPG.

 

Coin A looks a little soft so I went with B which has a nice light toning.

 

There both very nice but coin B looks to have a little sharper detail ..to me .

 

A looks a little sharper, but I like the color of B. I wouldn't presume to guess which one the gods graded higher.

 

I can't see how B has the better strike; the lettering on the reverse of A is very sharp and B not so, even considering the lighting issues. I also find more nicks on the obverse of B than A. So I went with A, IMO. Of course I think the OP is setting us all up here. I've got about 10 raw unc 1916 Buffalo's and each look different.

 

" IMO. Of course I think the OP is setting us all up here. "

 

Based on the photos as they appear with reference to the lighting factor, I'd opt for coin A.

 

Coin B is the higher grade. IMO
I m thinking coin A has had a slight cleaning/ old dip.
Coin B just has a more original look.

 

Coin a has less marks and a weaker strike. Coin b has a better strike and better color but almost looks like a touch of rub au 58? That would be my grade on it. Coin a I’d grade ms 65 though possibly an old but market acceptable dip

 

Coin A has has the most overall appeal and grade IMO.

 

But you're the OP.

 

I think the toning hides the coin B's features.

 

I am gonna go with.....both are the same grade.....that has not been chosen. lol

 

Coin A has better eye appeal, coin B has a better strike.
B has the higher grade.