So, I was just given a Whitman book (semi-full) and a container full of Buffalo nickels!!! These were all locked away in a safe for over 50 years at least. They are all circulated, but many seem to be in great condition. What should I look for, as I know little to nothing about these. I also was given a Jefferson book with only 4 coins missing. Any advice from the experts on what to look for would be greatly appreciated! !! Thanks everyone!
Welcome Nathan Look for full dates on the Buffalo & and the more of the Buffalo Horn above the Buffalo eye are the better condition. Here is PCGS PhotoGrade >>> http://www.pcgs.com/Photograde/#/Buffalo/Grades Check for low mintages in a Whitman RedBook.
Look for: 1913-S Type 1, 1913-D Type 2, 1913-S Type 2, 1914-D, 1915-S, 1918/7-D, 1921-S, 1926-S, 1931-S, 1936-D with 3 1/2 legs, and 1937-D with three legs.
And how many of those Buffs are affordable to the average coin collector? The 21 P,D,S Walkers were a bitch to fill the Dansco! I just can't buy a coin that is more than my mortgage payment!!
I highly recommend buying a 10x loupe to see the dates and mint marks more closely. They're very inexpensive, any regular old 10x loupe on ebay or amazon will do just fine (don't get those crappy Chinese ones with the lights, get one that's metal encased, not plastic) here's an example: http://www.amazon.com/Jewelers-Loup...ef_=sr_1_2&refinements=p_85:2470955011&sr=8-2
Don't clean them. Look at a price guide online or red book in person to learn mintages, basic grading, varieties. Read prior posts about these coins
