Buffalo Nickels

It is called conditional rarity. It depends on how many were saved (pulled from circulation) in the higher grades.

This is why a high grade 1914-D LHC (higher mintage) is worth more than a comparably graded 1931-S (lower mintage). Collectors knew that the 1931-S was going to have a low mintage and saved more of them.

In the example you have given, it is possible that the 1927-S nickels circulated more than the 1927-D. There are more low grade examples available, driving down the price for those grades.

It is an interesting set to work on, I have been on the rampage to finish mine. Just about filled all the holes.

For the small time collector like myself my criteria was for a sharp date and a sharp mint mark with as much detail as possible for the least amount of money when it came down to those last 13 empty spots.

I tried to avoid any distracting scratches or spotting.
With so many acid treated and restored dates out there, weak dates and flat mint marks, I just have a feeling that those factors are under rated at this time.

I don't know too many people that have all the coins in the set in high grade.
It is nice to have a smattering of various grades all above VG at least to Gem BU for condition, but the first thing anyone will look at for any single one in particular would be the dates and mint mark.

Last night I was looking through and now I see I have to get the best 1925 S I can to replace a well placed deep gouge I overlooked. So I have to look at the grade scale vs these older PCGS prices I am going by as a guide.

1925-S xxxxG4 xxxxxF12 xxxxx XF40 xxxxxMS60 xxxxxMS63 xxxxMS64 xxxxx MS65 xxxxxxMS66xxxxxx

1925-S xxxxx9xxxxxx 21 xxxxxxx175xxxxxxx 450xxxxxx 2,000 xxxx3,850xxxxx 27,500 xxxxx100,000xxxxxxxx

Obviously, my budget will be shopping for an under priced VF20 or VF30 and it shouldn't be a terrible problem to hunt one down for $30. to $40.
When somebody admires my set, ( I hope they do ) they aren't going to line up and say "Wow! that's a super nice 1925 S you have there."
But I do hope to hear that it is a very nice set I put together. I feel it is. I guess that is really all that matters. But I do like to hear compliments too.

I am very amazed by how cheap the 27S is. It is not real available in the bulk lots, based on my experience. Tougher date for sure, but still ranks as a common based on price in lower grades. Trsut me, this date is not that common.

Thanks, wheezy, for that guide, it really helps.

I really like the "Buffalos", but I find they are hard to acquire in real good shape.