Grading Standards On Buffalo Nickels

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,092
rohumpy Valued Member United States 164 Posts	Posted 01/19/2008 06:19 am I have collected for many years and have some older books on grading--photograde and ANA standards. In browsing in the latest RedBook I noticed that the standard they give for VF of a Buffalo nickel is --much of horn must show-- In the older books I have it is unequivocal--tip of horn must show-- There is a real difference between much and tip. I realize that the much requirement is somewhat subjective. My question is this -- Have the grading standards for the VF grade changed? A dealer I asked said he still required the tip to show, and coins purchased from him verified this. Report this Post to the Staff

mr merc Valued Member United States 143 Posts	Posted 01/19/2008 11:34 am ANA grading standards 6th edition states for reverse vf-20 hair on head is worn. Point of horn is not always visible. vf-30 head, front leg, and hip are worn. Horn is worn but distinct on coins that are well struck. Photograde 18th edition vf-20 states "there will be a full horn but the top may not be well outlined. The hair on the bisons head will be well worn". Good strike vs weak strike is what you have to consider. Many coins were unevenly struck, if you could post a pic there are many experts here that may be able to help you. Report this Post to the Staff
Bilbo Pillar of the Community United States 812 Posts	Posted 01/19/2008 5:15 pm Yes, the grading standards have changed over the years. The tip of the horn is no longer required for VF-20. Report this Post to the Staff
rohumpy Valued Member United States 164 Posts	Posted 01/20/2008 05:28 am Thanks for the replies. At one time I knew where the RedBook got its grading summaries. Maybe ANA? I figured something had happened. Now I will have to regrade all my buffs. Report this Post to the Staff
philney Valued Member United States 231 Posts	Posted 01/20/2008 06:47 am I am still learning too, but it seems that the older a series is, the lower the grading standards are up to a certain point. I figure that the longer they have been in circulation, the rarer they become in certain conditions. On some early coins all that is required for good is that they are identifiable while newer ones have a much higher standard. So an about good Mercury dime might be a fine if it were a flowing hair cent in the same condition. Report this Post to the Staff
CuprousCoin Valued Member United States 226 Posts	Posted 01/24/2008 09:37 am Buffalo nickels are definitely a grading challenge due to weak strike characteristics mentioned by MrMerc, especially during the early years. I found David W. Lange's " The complete guide to Buffalo nickels " very helpful. As always, looking at lots of coins certainly helps. Maybe have the dealer you visit show you examples of weak vs. bold strike. As far as grading standards changing, I feel they tend to move slightly with the ebb and flow of the overall coin market. compare several slabbed coins and you will see what I mean Report this Post to the Staff
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