Or the Indian Head nickel if you prefer. I've been imaging my collection and I've run into an apparent discrepancy between what the grading guides say and what the respected TPGs are doing. The apparent problem is the grade of Very Fine (VF). One of the major diagnostics is the buffalo's horn. The ANA Guide says that the horn is "worn but full". All the online guides basically say the same. I don't like Photograde, but I checked it. Same thing. And just to be complete I checked my Brown & Dunn (how's THAT for a blast from the past.) Says the same. But here's three Buffaloes from my collection AND note that they are either VF-30 or -35, NOT the minimum VF-20. None appear to have full horns. Any ideas about the apparent discrepancy in grading?
I'd say the more desirable dates shown are carrying the grade higher a touch. IMO I can, in fact, see the tip of the horn on the 23-S.
Easy explanation, none of the TPG's follow the ANA grading guide. Each one of them has their own individual set of grading standards. And their standards do not require the horn to be full.
You cannot grade just by the horn. The horn is a rudimentary starting point, not the ending point. Look at the entire coin, not just one small area that covers 2% of the surfaces. For example, the top coin is still very "meaty". The lettering around the rim is still sharp and not close to being worn into the rim, lots of hair, braid, and facial detail on the Indian. Based on the picture, the coin appears to still have nice luster remaining. No way this is a <VF coin. It appears to clearly be a strong Choice VF coin. The services frequently look at the luster on these coins to determine the amount of wear vs. striking issues. You can find examples of clearly mint state Buffaloes where there is no horn visible.
Howdy, From what I've been reading, buffalos are changing with regards to grading of the horn. Historically, much was based on how much horn, but so many of the dates/mint marks were weakly struck that there are many that are receiving higher grades than in the past. However, this DOES make for a great opportunity to cherry pick flea markets and antique dealers. You find a full horn 26-S that's marked VF, and you might be able to get it slabbed as an XF. Same would go for a F that might go to VF. The spread goes $110, $500, $1200 for F, VF, XF. 24 D&S, 21S, are a few others with big swings like this. just some thoughts, rono
Do you remember the old commercial: "Where's the beef?" Same thing, but here it is "Where's the horn (tip)?"
