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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,226 |
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New Member
United States
41 Posts |
This is a subject that always gets my attention. I beleive this coin to be an embossed mintmark. In other words it started life as an unmarked coin and through a process called embossing a mintmark is "pushed" out from the inside of the coin. Buffalo nickel collectors need to be aware that this fraud is more prevailent than you may think. some indicaters are raised areas around the Mintmark, lower releife than usual and a mushy appearance of the mintmark and is usually done on high end and key date nickels (such as this). It is commonly done as there is no reeded edge and the coins are relatively thick which allows a small hole to be drilled in the edge and the mintmark embossed from the inside-out, leaving no marks on the surface of the coin, then the coin doctor has just gotta patch the hole in the edge, which is simple because of the lack of reeding... I hope this article may save a buyer or two a huge headache... http://cgi.ebay.com/1926-S-Buffalo-...ey_W0QQitemZ330147197535QQihZ014QQcategoryZ139808QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I can barely see anything resembling a mintmark on this coin. Upon researching the matter, I found nothing but clear and prominent mintmarks on other sample coins in reputable slabs, even down to VF grade. In addition, this seller has just received a Negative from someone I know well, a person who would not do such a thing lightly.
This does not give me confidence in either this seller, or the authenticity of the coin.
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Valued Member
United States
459 Posts |
It is hard to get a good look at the MM but, topline is a known doctor so I would assume it is not legit.
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New Member
 United States
41 Posts |
After studying other buffs he has sold, I can spot at least 2 more that I am 90% sure are altered such as this... The buyers may have been suckered, and don't even know it as they leave glowing feedback... Hopefully I am wrong, but it makes me sick, as someone being in the market for these higher end coins it obviously raises concerns... He does offer a 5 day money back, but still thats not enough time to have a coin authenticated. As the most recent feedback indicates as well... They left them high and dry for $1,500... In most states, fraud that exceeds $500 is a felony, not to mention the felony use of the postal system and internet... Oh well... I'm getting all worked up over this... I'll move on and hope karma works.
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New Member
United States
41 Posts |
Ok, so I just checked my email and the seller say "Actually, what you see is a RPM... bla.... bla bla bla... and makes this coin worth more!" OK this guy knows coins well enough, as do I, to tell this is not an RPM... ooooh... What a load of elephant dung.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
pardon please, but what is "RPM" ? I have bought one buff (1913 type 1, no mint mark) from topline at a good price, don't see any problems but suspect that an expert cleaning job was done. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
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New Member
United States
41 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
I just asked for close-ups of all of his buff's. I told them I am putting together a decent high end set, and I want to get batter looks at everything. We'll see....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
882 Posts |
How can you even tell? The mint mark is the size of a pea... Well, even smaller.
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New Member
United States
41 Posts |
I have been collecting buffs exclusively for quite a while and have seen more than my fair share of counterfeits. Quite simply, after seeing dozens of these in person, there are several key indications, and even while small, they are distinct enough to come to a relatively conclusive opinion... However it is just that... My opinion, take it for what it is... Nothing More...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
750 Posts |
Very nice pictures though. : ) I don't know this seller, I do know buffalo's however. I would really like to see the blown up pictures of that first MM.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,226 |
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Posted 07/15/2007 7:04 pm
