I love nickels -- always have. But I have a problem. I can't grade a Buffalo nickel to save my life. Hopefully, I'll never need to.. I prefer Shield nickels, but recently came across a nice 1913-s type 2 Buffalo on ebay for what I thought was a reasonable price. That and a good return policy make for some interesting purchases. Seems to be a stronger strike, which is good, but also it appears that it may be more likely to grade out at AU because any weakness won't give you the benefit of the doubt of a weak strike. I couldn't see any rub on the cheek, but what do you think? AU? MS? Looking forward to seeing it in hand. Thanks! -snewman
Very good strik. I spent at least 8 minutes and I think MS-65. If there is no luster but it looks like there is some MS-64. I am not an expert grader and I do find these hard to grade.
I would say that on IHD Nickles that luster is means everything for getting MS grades. With this type 2 1913-S this holds true between AU grades and MS grades. Unfortunately thery're difficult to photograpgh and show
Thanks for the thoughts, guys! It said it has nice luster, but until I see it in hand, it is tough to tell. Pumpkinpie, is your assessment of AU55-58 based on luster or do you see wear?
Weakness of the strike should not affect the grade until you get to 65ish coins. I cannot make the luster out, but that coin looks to be 63 - 65 depending on the luster.
I agree, but think it could go to 64, maybe 65 on the high end. As others have noted, these are hard to grade if not in hand. I don't think any photo will be as good as seeing it in person. Sometimes photos just don't cut it. Very pretty coin though.
I have to say that I will be very suprised if that is a no problem coin. Even with the direct lighting of the coin you should be able to see SOME luster.... It's just shiny... I'm going to say UNC details cleaned... but those pictures leave a lot to be desired and I could be completely wrong.
Not sure how the seller got the photos to look like that, but here's a closer representation of the coin: Found some defects that I couldn't really see in the other photos. A little gouge is in the background in front of the back legs and there is a little mark up in the E of AMERICA and part of E Pluribus Unum (could see this in the other photos). Also another little scratch on the back of the Buffalo. Better luster than the original photos showed, but nothing that would make you say "Wow!" My axial lighting setup was torn down and didn't have time to get it all happy again tonight. Will take the coin to a dealer I respect and get his thoughts tomorrow.
Dealer said it was original and he believes it will grade high AU. Likely due to the marks and lack of amazing luster. Those of you who voted as such, congrats! This will be in my next batch to NGC and I'll let you know what they say.
