Grading Buffalo Nickel Varieties: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

Introduction: The Art and Science of Coin Grading

Condition is everything in numismatics. The difference between a common Buffalo nickel worth $10 and a rare variety worth $1,000 often comes down to microscopic details that only experienced graders can identify. As a professional grader, I’ve spent decades learning to distinguish subtle variations in wear patterns, luster quality, and strike characteristics that determine a coin’s ultimate grade and value.

Understanding Buffalo Nickel Varieties

The Buffalo nickel series (1913-1938) presents unique challenges for variety identification. These coins were produced during a time of rapid minting technology changes, resulting in numerous die varieties, doubled dies, and other anomalies that collectors actively seek. When evaluating potential new varieties for inclusion in authoritative references like the Cherrypickers’ Guide, graders must apply rigorous standards.

Key Grading Factors for Buffalo Nickels

When examining Buffalo nickels for variety designation, professional graders focus on several critical areas:

• High Point Wear Analysis: The Indian’s cheek, hair braid, and the buffalo’s shoulder are the first areas to show circulation wear. These high points must be carefully evaluated to determine the coin’s wear grade.
• Field Quality: The flat surfaces between design elements should be examined for marks, scratches, and original surface preservation.
• Luster Preservation: Original mint luster is crucial for higher grade designations. Buffalo nickels often suffered from poor striking quality, making well-struck examples with full luster particularly valuable.
• Strike Characteristics: The sharpness of detail in the feathers, hair, and fur indicates the quality of the original strike and helps identify specific die states.

PCGS and NGC Grading Standards

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) maintain the industry’s highest standards for coin authentication and grading. For Buffalo nickels, these services evaluate:

“The grade of a coin is determined by five factors: strike, surface preservation, luster, coloration, and eye appeal. Each factor contributes to the overall grade, with particular emphasis on the severity and location of any wear or damage.”

For variety designation, graders must document not only the grade but also the specific characteristics that make the coin a worthy variety. This includes high-resolution photography, die marker analysis, and comparison with known die states.

Identifying Key Markers for New Varieties

When submitting potential new varieties for consideration, collectors should focus on these critical markers:

Doubled Die Characteristics

Doubled dies occur when the hub and die create multiple impressions during the minting process. Professional graders look for:

• Clear separation between doubled elements
• Consistent doubling across multiple examples
• Specific location of doubling (date, mottoes, or design elements)
• Strength and visibility of the doubling

For example, the WDDO (Westward Journey Doubled Die Obverse) varieties mentioned in recent discussions show specific doubling patterns that must be documented against established references like Wexler’s Doubled Die Encyclopedia.

Die Varieties and Anomalies

Other variety types include repunched mint marks, overdates, and die cracks. Each requires specific documentation:

• Clear photographs showing the anomaly
• Comparison images with standard examples
• Die state progression if multiple examples exist
• Historical context and mintage information

The Submission Process for New Varieties

Based on industry practices and recent communications from authoritative sources, the process for submitting new varieties typically involves:

Initial Research and Documentation

1. Thorough examination of existing references and databases
2. Documentation of multiple examples showing consistent characteristics
3. High-quality photography with proper lighting and magnification
4. Historical research on the specific die and production run

Contacting the Right Authorities

For consideration in the Cherrypickers’ Guide, the current process involves contacting the editorial team directly:

Email: cherrypickers@whitman.com

The editors welcome submissions from collectors and dealers who can provide photographic evidence and detailed descriptions of potential new varieties. It’s essential to be thorough and professional in your submission.

Alternative Contacts

For Buffalo nickel varieties specifically, reaching out to recognized experts can be valuable:

• Bill Fivaz, co-author of the Cherrypickers’ Guide, is known for his expertise and willingness to evaluate new discoveries
• Other noted authors and researchers in the field may provide guidance on the submission process

Grading Examples and Case Studies

Recent discussions about Lincoln cent varieties provide insight into the grading process for Buffalo nickels:

Comparative Analysis

When evaluating doubled die varieties, professional graders compare submitted examples against established references:

“I just sought out the best looking DDOs for 2015 WDDO-006, 2019 WDDO-011, and 2024 WDDO-002 and crossed my fingers that they will agree. Mine are all exact matches to those at Wexler’s.”

This approach of comparing against established references is crucial for Buffalo nickel variety identification. Graders must demonstrate that the variety is consistent across multiple examples and distinguishable from normal die wear or damage.

Quality Assessment

Even when a variety is confirmed, the grade of the individual coin remains critical:

“IMO they look better than the 2006 FS-102 PCGS MS66RD and 2014 FS-101 PCGS MS67RD Lincolns that I have. They won’t grade quite as well, but the doubling is a bit more impressive.”

This observation highlights an important principle: variety strength and coin grade are separate considerations. A coin with exceptional variety characteristics might still receive a lower grade due to other factors like surface preservation or strike quality.

Practical Tips for Collectors

For collectors seeking to identify and submit new Buffalo nickel varieties, consider these professional recommendations:

Equipment and Techniques

• Use proper magnification (10x to 20x) for detailed examination
• Invest in quality lighting to reveal subtle die characteristics
• Document your findings with high-resolution photography
• Keep detailed records of your discoveries and research

Research Resources

• Consult established references like the Cherrypickers’ Guide and specialized Buffalo nickel books
• Join numismatic organizations and online forums for expert advice
• Attend coin shows to examine certified examples of known varieties
• Build relationships with experienced collectors and dealers

Conclusion: The Ongoing Evolution of Numismatic Knowledge

The discovery and documentation of new coin varieties represents the living, evolving nature of numismatics. As professional graders, we play a crucial role in this process by applying consistent standards and rigorous analysis to potential new discoveries. For Buffalo nickel collectors, the possibility of finding a new variety that might one day be listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide adds excitement to the hobby and contributes to our collective understanding of these historic coins.

Remember that successful variety designation requires patience, thorough documentation, and often multiple attempts. The grading process is both an art and a science, combining technical expertise with historical knowledge and keen observation skills. Whether you’re examining a potential new doubled die or documenting a previously unknown die state, the principles of professional grading remain constant: careful observation, consistent methodology, and unwavering attention to detail.

For those who discover what they believe to be a new Buffalo nickel variety, the path forward is clear: document thoroughly, research extensively, and submit professionally. The numismatic community, including organizations like Whitman Publishing and recognized experts in the field, welcomes contributions that expand our understanding of these fascinating coins.

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