Yesterday, an auction ended on the 'Bay for a 1914-S Buffalo nickel at a final bid of $1,005 (!). Based on the pictures, it does look to have an exceptionally strong strike. On the obverse, it actually appears to have a matte proof level of strike (but obviously not an MP). You can also clearly tell that the dies clashed with the E PLURIBUS UNUM and the top of the buffalo showing on the obverse. The reverse also has your typical die clash next to the same text. But what causes such an extraordinary strike, especially on the obverse? Was the distance between the dies too short, which caused both the dies to clash and the stronger strike? And, I don't think that it's a matter of exceptional photography skills. I've seen many of this year / MM sold by this seller and others, and this one stands out. Thanks in advance!
Yes, in theory the dies should be set so that at full travel the dies should NOT come into contact with each other. If the dies ARE able to clash it would seem to me that the dies are set too close together an that would result in a higher pressure strikes when the planchet is present.
Looks like someone is banking on an MS-65 grade. I don't know if the luster is there for it, but the strike is phenomenal!!
