Some notes on proof buffalo nickels...

[TomB]

That's a nice freakin' coin, Hoot! I have also been looking for a superb satin Buffalo, but as you mentioned, they are typically nasty beasts. I realize you haven't been around these boards long enough to know how to embed an image, so I will do it for you. Here is Hoot's coin-

[RWB]

By the way, there is a single proof SLQ known, it is dated 1916, is a matte proof and was sold as lot #48 in the Stack's Fiftieth Anniversary Sale in 1985 for just under $21k. Of note, the coin was intentionally damaged by the then-US Mint Director, who scratched out two leaves that obscured the L in LIBERTY as he thought the coin looked better without them.

 

That is utterly fascinating! What a nut-job the Director must have been! Now, there were two directors in 1916, so was it Woolley (through July 1916) or von Engelken (from September 1916)?

 

I'd love to see that piece!

 

Hoot

 

TomB:

The 1916 SL quarter you mention is one of the many patterns made that year. It also is not a proof coin. Mint documents specifically mention the coin and Dir. von Engleken scratching off the leaves with his pen knife. Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Adam Joyce states that the coin was struck on a normal press just like any other circulation issue might have been. This is one of the few instances where a particular coin can be identified in contemporary documents. The coin was owned by Jay Cline for many years, then sold by Heritage a couple of years ago. They did not have access to complete documentation when the coin was auctioned.

 

You can find the whole story and documents in "Renaissance of American Coinage 1916-1921."

[RWB]

Excellent information on the Buffalo nickel proofs !!

[MikeInFL]

Anyone have a pic of a 1936 satin proof?

 

Prettiest one I've ever seen:

 

I don't think he sold it in his recent auction but I saw Bruce Scher's 36 Satin and it beats the hell out of that one on Teletrade. And NOT because it was graded 68...but because of the color. An incredible piece...

 

jom

 

Here's another one (1936 Satin NGC PF 67):

 

 

He does have a few carbon flecks, but the color and luster are simply amazing and impossible (for me) to photograph well.

 

Have fun...Mike

 

p.s. great post Hoot!

[Hoot]

That's one pretty satin proof you have there Mike! Another rare bear.

 

Hoot

[Wihlborg]

Mark,

 

That is an amazing coin you finally found! It’s a truly wonderful piece. I’m happy you have been able to add it to your collection.

 

Congrats!

 

John

[MikeKing]

What a great post, and what great photos. Thanks for putting this up. I learned a lot!

[RWB]

Re: Copper Buffalo

The Buffalo struck in copper and included with the 5 1913 Liberty nickels was kept by Eric Newman when he sold the Liberty pieces. The coin remains in Eric's possession.

[chinook]

MikeinFl........Having seen you Buffalo in hand, I think you did quite a good job on that photo.

 

And seeing all these proof Buffalos makes me want to pick up one or two. I must resist.....nust resist.....must resist.....

[Hoot]

Mark,

 

That is an amazing coin you finally found! It’s a truly wonderful piece. I’m happy you have been able to add it to your collection.

 

Congrats!

 

John

 

Thanks John! I know you aare aware of how tough these pieces are.

 

Hey, you should hang around here more often.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Thank you Mike King!

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

And seeing all these proof Buffalos makes me want to pick up one or two. I must resist.....nust resist.....must resist.....

 

Just back off!!!

 

 

Hoot

[Bruceswar]

great post! Thanks for sharing!

[rrantique]

Anyone have a pic of a 1936 satin proof?

 

Prettiest one I've ever seen:

 

I don't think he sold it in his recent auction but I saw Bruce Scher's 36 Satin and it beats the hell out of that one on Teletrade. And NOT because it was graded 68...but because of the color. An incredible piece...

 

jom

 

Here's another one (1936 Satin NGC PF 67):

 

 

He does have a few carbon flecks, but the color and luster are simply amazing and impossible (for me) to photograph well.

 

Simply amazing buffs, wow Enjoyed reading also Mark. Thanks for this 1 Mike

[michael]

superb