Grading Buffalo Nickels: When to Slab and When to Album

Grading Buffalo Nickels: The Professional’s Perspective

Condition is everything. Here is how to look at the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece.

Historical Significance of Buffalo Nickels

The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, represents one of America’s most beloved coin series. Designed by James Earle Fraser, these coins feature the iconic Native American profile on the obverse and the American bison on the reverse. The series includes several key dates and varieties that command premium prices, particularly in higher grades.

When evaluating Buffalo Nickels for grading, collectors must understand that these coins present unique challenges. The design elements – particularly the date on the obverse and the bison’s horn on the reverse – are among the highest points and wear first. This makes accurate grading crucial for determining value.

Identifying Key Markers for Grading

Wear Patterns

The primary wear points on Buffalo Nickels include:

• The Indian’s hair braid and cheek
• The date area on the obverse
• The bison’s shoulder and hip
• The horn on the bison’s head

When examining a coin, start by checking these high points. In Mint State grades (MS60 and above), these areas should show full, original mint luster with no trace of wear. Even light friction in these areas can drop a coin from MS65 to MS63 or lower.

Luster Quality

Original mint luster is crucial for high-grade Buffalo Nickels. Look for:

• Cartwheel effect when tilting the coin
• Even, unbroken luster across the fields
• No dulling or graying in protected areas
• Absence of hairlines or contact marks

Buffalo Nickels often toned beautifully, developing shades of golden-brown, blue, or even rainbow toning. While attractive toning can enhance eye appeal, it should never obscure the underlying luster or hide imperfections.

Strike Quality

Strike quality varies significantly across the series. Early dates (1913-1921) and San Francisco issues often show weak strikes, particularly on the bison’s horn and the Indian’s hair details. When grading, consider:

• Full horn detail on the bison
• Complete hair braid definition
• Sharpness of the legend and date
• Overall definition of the bison’s features

A well-struck coin will command a premium, even if technically the same numerical grade as a weakly struck example. This is particularly true for key dates like the 1918/7-D and 1937-D 3-Legged variety.

Eye Appeal

Eye appeal encompasses several factors:

• Even, original surfaces
• Attractive, natural toning
• Minimal contact marks or abrasions
• Overall visual impact

A coin with exceptional eye appeal might receive a star designation from NGC or a + designation from PCGS, indicating it’s at the high end of its grade.

PCGS/NGC Standards for Buffalo Nickels

Both major grading services use similar standards for Buffalo Nickels, though there are subtle differences in their approach:

MS60-MS62 Range

These coins show no wear but have numerous contact marks, hairlines, or other imperfections. Luster may be impaired by handling or environmental factors. The strike may be average to weak.

MS63-MS64 Range

These grades show fewer marks and better overall eye appeal. Luster is typically full and original. Strike quality becomes more important at these levels, with well-struck examples commanding premiums.

MS65 and Above

Coins in this range must have exceptional eye appeal, minimal marks, and full original luster. Strike quality is crucial – a fully struck MS65 will be worth significantly more than a weakly struck example at the same grade.

Slab vs. Album: Making the Right Choice

The decision to crack slabs for album display is complex and depends on several factors:

• The grade and value of the coins
• Your long-term collecting goals
• The potential financial impact of removing coins from slabs
• Your confidence in identifying problem coins

For high-grade Buffalo Nickels (MS65 and above), particularly key dates and varieties, keeping coins in slabs is generally advisable. The protection and authentication provided by third-party grading services adds significant value and marketability.

For circulated coins or lower-grade uncirculated examples (MS60-MS64), the decision becomes more nuanced. If you’re building a type set or a date set where individual coin values are more modest, the enjoyment of viewing coins in an album might outweigh the potential financial impact.

Professional Tips for Collectors

When considering whether to crack slabs:

1. Evaluate the financial impact – calculate the potential loss in value
2. Consider CAC verification for added confidence in raw coins
3. Only crack coins you can confidently grade yourself
4. Keep original grading labels as reference
5. Consider hybrid solutions like Capital Plastics holders for high-grade coins

Remember that today’s market places high value on certified coins, particularly in the MS65 and above range. While albums offer aesthetic appeal and the tactile pleasure of handling raw coins, slabs provide protection, authentication, and liquidity.

Conclusion

Buffalo Nickels remain one of the most popular series for collectors, offering challenges and rewards at every grade level. Whether you choose to collect in slabs or albums, understanding the nuances of grading these coins is essential for building a valuable and enjoyable collection.

For high-grade examples and key dates, the security and authentication of slabs typically outweighs the aesthetic appeal of albums. However, for circulated coins or type sets, the visual impact and tactile experience of an album collection can provide immense satisfaction.

Whatever your choice, remember that the most important aspect of collecting is the enjoyment it brings. Whether your Buffalo Nickels reside in elegant slabs or beautifully arranged albums, the history and artistry of these coins continue to captivate collectors more than a century after their introduction.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Is Your Slab or Dansco Real? How to Spot a Fake – Historical Significance The debate between slabbed coins and album collections has been a longstanding discussion in num…
• How to Spot Rare Errors on Slab or Dansco – The Hidden Value in Tiny Details Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity …
• Buffalo Nickels: From Mint to Album – The Collector’s Dilemma – The Hidden History Behind Slab or Dansco Every relic tells a story. To understand this item, we have to look at the era …