1917 S Buffalo PCGS Grade Suspect? - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 1,864
numismo Rest in Peace United States 3039 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 09:05 am How can this Buffalo nickel be graded Fine 12 when LIBERTY is not clear of the rim? Report this Post to the Staff

biggfredd Rest in Peace United States 9104 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 10:43 am market grading is used by TPG. It's another way of saying "standards don't matter", like 13 ounce pounds of kaughy whose yield is measured in 5.5 ounce cups. Report this Post to the Staff
coinguybrian Rest in Peace United States 5375 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 11:09 am I agree partly with bigfredd, but will add in that often grading has to be done in a 'general capacity'. One feature not meeting the criteria for a grade doesn't have to be the sole limiting factor. For instance, if LIBERTY is weak on a seated half but the other details are XF...it won't get graded only F-15 limited, but it also won't get graded XF-40. It may get a VF-30. The criteria used for grading generally apply to most coins, but due to striking characteristics, unusual wear patterns, etc. a coin may fail to meet certain criteria while a higher criteria for other things. I'd like to see the whole coin before judging it as improperly graded, but it may be. Report this Post to the Staff
Ca Dreamin Valued Member United States 149 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 11:43 am Unfortunately, there has been a general loosining of grading standards in the last 40 years, and the TPG's are just as guilty to blame as anyone else. I think it happens quite a lot with Buffalo nickels-its apopular series, and there are great differences in striking, especially coins minted in the 1920's. As far as the coin you pictured, Liberty is not one of the first areas of focus on the Buffalo nickel, so you really want to take the whole coin into account, including strike, overall eye appeal, luster if applicable, as well as the technical aspects of the grade. My advice would be if there is something about the coin you don't like, or find mildly off-putting, don't buy it, or only buy it at the next lowest grade price. For example, I always tried to buy Buffalos in XF at VF pricing. If you can do that, you made a wise purchase. And don't be afraid to negotiate that with the seller-he or she probably already knows that, and it will also let them know you are an astute buyer-I do it all the time!! Report this Post to the Staff
numismo Rest in Peace United States 3039 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 2:27 pm OK, I guess I should have done this initially. Here's the whole coin through the plastic. Report this Post to the Staff
upstate Pillar of the Community United States 3283 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 4:45 pm I would not have expected F12, but it seems to be the perfect example of a VG10. Not enough horn for f12. Very nice surfaces though. So basically I agree with you that it is slightly over graded but really not by much. Report this Post to the Staff
coinguybrian Rest in Peace United States 5375 Posts	Posted 06/04/2011 7:14 pm It's possible it's a weak strike, but the whole design does look a bit worn for F-12. Horns can be weak or partial even in to the XF range with these. Report this Post to the Staff
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