Buffalo error

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Michele Scharf, Jul 21, 2022.

  1. Michele Scharf

    Michele Scharf New Member

    Hi! I have an unusual buffalo nickel. I believe it to be 1920 D. Possible just 1920. The Buffalo and some letters look mixed up and restamped in some way. There is a broken hoof under the belly and a broken leg. Looks like letters...may be a D and maybe a 3 inside this mix. Anyone have any idea what happened to this coin?
     

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  3. Spark1951

    Spark1951 Accomplishment, not Activity

    There is no mint mark, so it is a Philly. The mint mark is located under FIVE CENTS on the reverse.

    You should soak it in acetone to remove the dried glue and other debris, then take a new look at it.

    Really severely worn, not much of an uptick on value. It does appear to be dated 1920.

    Posting pics of monitor screens is not recommended for a variety of reasons, 2 of which are pixels and scan lines. Best to stick to the main pic from a scope or camera…imo…Spark
     
  4. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Welcome to CoinTalk!

    It looks like something got spilled on the reverse and corroded it, or as @Spark1951 said, something is stuck to it. It's made random patterns, and the human mind tries to turn them into things that make sense -- in your case, letters and numbers and, um, buffalo parts. :)

    In any event, it's post-mint damage, not any kind of error.
     
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  5. Michele Scharf

    Michele Scharf New Member

    Look at the broken off hoof? No way that is just something that is stuck on the coin. And the broken leg
     
  6. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    If so, then after you soak the coin in water, then in acetone, it'll be easier to see.
     
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  7. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Looks like a thin layer of something on the coin, possibly glue. Also looks like a well circulated 1920 nickel from Philadelphia as I see no signs of a mint mark.
     
  8. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    Looks like something is stuck on the coin to me.
     
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  9. Randy Abercrombie

    Randy Abercrombie Supporter! Supporter

    The fellows are right. We used to often times glue our coins in whatever display we were working on at the time and what you see is glue residue.
     
  10. Oldhoopster

    Oldhoopster Member of the ANA since 1982

    Sorry, but it's absolutely something stuck to the coin, as some very knowledgeable and experienced collectors have already posted.
     
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  11. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Hoof and mouth disease. That poor thing has been through the wringer.
     
  12. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    1920, I agree, but remove the glue!
     
  13. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Supporter! Supporter

    Appears to be a very well circulated 1920 P with additional environmental damage. NAV = No Added Value.
    Try the acetone soak and see what improvements it can make. Acetone won't hurt the coin, but when using it on a possible valuable coin, never rub the surface. You can roll a clean Q-Tip over spots to help clean away debris. Good luck.
     
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  14. eddiespin

    eddiespin Fast Eddie

    Is that all or is there more? Look closer. It's hard to tell from these pictures if there's more.
     
  15. William J Wylie

    William J Wylie New Member

  16. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    If you do clean it let us know what you see or find good luck.
     
  17. terky

    terky Active Member

    I would grade this as (N.O.N.) Nasty Old Nickel
     
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  18. Hookman

    Hookman Well-Known Member

    You've already got the best opinions. I won't bother adding mine.
     
  19. Cheech9712

    Cheech9712 Every thing is a guess

    Just a keeper. That’s one old buffalo
     
  20. Cheech9712

    Cheech9712 Every thing is a guess

    It’s glue
     
  21. Cheech9712

    Cheech9712 Every thing is a guess

    Even use an eraser on them
     
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