Grading low grade buffaloes.

I’m almost ashamed to ask but I’ve been going through low grade buffaloes and I'm having trouble figuring out just what sets the line between AG and good.
My ANA grading book isn't clear to me on the distinction and looking online I’m finding conflicting information.
Any advice?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I use Coin World's Making the Grade, which like you've mentioned still leaves me confused trying to do so from a photograph. The text description below each grade is what I use when in doubt. Yet in the series' favor, a set ranging from VG to VF can still have a nice consistent eye appeal.

 

On the reverse you go by the base of the horn. If you can make out the curve of the base of the horn, it's G4. If you cannot, it's AG3.

On the obverse, if you can just barely make out the date or not at all, it's AG3. If you can make out the date without much effort, it's G4.

 

if the date is unreadable, it's likely AG3 or lower down to cull.

If it has a readable date and not much else that readable it's AG3 like liberty, five cents, United States of America, E Pluribus Unum, Mintmark.

if It's well worn but everything is readable, it's G4

if it's all readable and you can still make out the outlines of the highpoints it's VG8. you can start seeing hair on the obverse, and a general sense of the horns on the buffalo existing on the reverse.

needs to actually have a discernible date and not so much wear over the coin that you can't read other things in order to get above AG3. a clearly readable date without struggling to figure it out is the dividing line between the two grades.

if you have to tilt it and turn it and get the magnifier and guess at the date to figure it out it's AG3 or even lower. if you can pick it up and take a look and get the date automatically, in my opinion, it's at least a G4 unless it has other issues.

 

Thanks.

 

Try PCGS photo grade.
Never be afraid to ask. Come here to learn. You will get the best advice and education.

 

Don't be afraid to ask dumb questions, dummy on duty. Here I am...

 

The Mega Red Book page 334 has some good images for grading.

 

I use the date exclusively for grades AG thru Fine, with a VG showing a full but weak date and a fine showing a flat but strong date. It makes no sense to me to use the horn since, in some cases, especially branch Mint dates from 1919 thru 1934, that the horn was never there to begin with. The horn "thing" was used simply for an easy way to grade.

 

Honest question. Why would you want really low grade Buffalo nickels?
Unless it is a questionable rare error or variety, i.e. three legged, 18 over 17 or other, a Buffalo without a date or clear details isn't worth much.

 

Your Red Book should help

 

Buffalo 5c are a very difficult coin to grade because they are nickel, come with worn dies and weak strikes AND...when comparing all the available grading guides the results are all over the place and often don't match the grade on the TPGS label.

This series needs some SERIOUS ATTENTION to update and make the "standards" more uniform.

 

PCGS Photograde App is free and gives you a visual of the grades for US coinage. I find it to be the easiest guide to grading.

 

Wow that’s great info. Thanks

 

Are you talking full dates. Cuz mine are mostly missing 19.

 

You sound nice. Good question. I like the base of the horn reply

 

Yeah. I learn something interesting today

 

Tell that to the judge

 

To fill holes. To a lot of us. It’s all about the holes. It’s a coin with a date on it. Find it and move on.

 

Damn. I already gave my best answer away @BuffaloHunter I owe you one