Another round of Choose a Buffalo. This time I am showing three different MS65 Buffalos, each with a different look. All photos by Todd of BluCC -- thanks Todd! First, the 14-D: Next, the 16-S: Finally, the 24-D: I will give my thoughts later. Thanks for all comments and opinions.:thumb:
If you are asking which coin I like best, it is the 24-D. Much more detail. If you were giving them away, I will take the 14-D. It is the only one I am missing, but they are a far cry from the ones you have been showing.
Not knowing anything about the rarity or values of Buffalo Nickels, I am forced to make my choice solely based on eye appeal. Many collectors covet strike. I am not one of them. Strike finishes last in order of grading importance in my book, and as long as the strike is not below average, I don't fuss over it. What I do care about is the combination of luster and eye appeal. Color by itself does not get the job done. The 1914-D is evidence of that IMO. While attractive, the luster is muted relative to the other two coins. The 1916-S has improved luster over the 14-D but the color scheme is rather common in my opinion and doesn't really give you that WOW factor I look for in a coin. Now the last coin has it all. Vibrant luster really makes the multi-colored patina jump off the coin and provides the coin with a striking presence and outstanding overall eye appeal. I choose the 1924-D without a doubt.
Well, I would go with the majority here. The 24-D is a tougher coin to find in this grade than the other two and in fact is the best of the three, in my opinion. It has the best luster by a good bit and the reverse strike is pretty good for this issue (notice that it has a pretty good though not full strike on both the buffalo head and the tail, often you only get one of the two on a 24-D, according to Lange). The 14-D I bought from CRO last fall and have always liked it as a bit out of place among my Buffalos. It has a granular texture with a hint of multi-hued toning at the peripheries (geez, I sounded like Lehigh for a second!) However, the luster is average (not surprising given the texture) and the strike is only okay. The 16-S is a bit dark, period, almost a brown tone that mutes the luster. It is certainly not unattractive but the 16-S is really the last of the San Francisco Buffalo's that are reasonably easy to find in Gem condition until about 1928. RLM, these are not among my best Buffs, but hey, they need love too. And Lehigh, I know you're not a big proponent of strike but it is such an important component of Buffalos because there are so many that suffer from poor strikes, particularly among the Denver and San Francisco issues from 1918-1927. Thanks to all for voting and comments. Always learning something!:hammer::computer::hammer:
24-D for sure a much brighter coin then the rest, If they are all equal based On rarity and cost that one would be my choice
