1928-S Buff Anomaly

[Cacheman-migration]

Has anyone seen this strike anomaly on a Buff before? It is most evident on the bridge of the Indians nose and his forehead but it does encircle the entire head and back of neck. Any help would be appreciated. Scott

 

[Oldtrader3]

Mercury Dimes often have this same problem with erosion of the nose. It is caused by too many repolishing operations on the dies. The lowest areas on the coin (highest on the die) are the first affected. Each time the die surface is damaged, nicked or scratched it is repolished. Each repolish operation removes some die steel, eroding features of the strike.

 

San Francisco particularly, has more of these problems because they had fewer dies to work with than Philadelphia. They used the dies longer and had more strike problems because of this practice.

[Hoot]

Very cool Cacheman - I've seen this only once before and to a lesser degree. I'd also have to say it's from die polishing, but it's very uneven polishing. What is peculiar is that I've never seen this on 2 feather buffs, and those are relatively common.

 

I'll be interested to see what others have to say.

 

Hoot

[DWLange]

This kind of mechanical die polishing is performed to extend the lifespan of dies that have clashed severely or have become eroded. I described this effect in my Mercury Dime book, because it seems to be most common in that series. The polished area has a fully brilliant surface that is comparable to that on proofs, but the area affected is irregular, so this phenomenon doesn't appeal to everyone.

[Cacheman-migration]

So does this add to the collectability of the coin? I believe it to be an MS64 which would place its value at approximately $1200 but would this anomaly make it more desirable? S

[Hoot]

I have the feeling Cacheman, that the desirability will likely be negatively affected for most collectors. A few error collectors may like seeing a coin with this phenomenon to the degree yours shows. It'll be hit and miss for selling it.

 

Hoot

[TomB]

Not to burst your bubble, but, I think the coin more likely an AU58 as there appears to be some discoloration on the high points. Also, the surfaces, as shown in the images, look mighty granular.

[bigd5]

I don't think you will find any buffalo nickel collectors willing to spend extra for this "error". I agree with Hoot, and think it would have a more negative effect, if any, on the final price of the coin. You never know though. I'm not sure if the coin is sharp enough to warrant ms/64, probably ms/63 detail wise, at best. Tough to tell from the scan if there's wear on the high points. I can't get a close enough look to see the "granularity" that Tom B. sees. That could also be from die fatigue. If you send it in for grading, keep us posted to the final result/grade.

[Cacheman-migration]

It actually belongs to a friend of mine who lives in Sweden and who has a phenomenal collection...you name it, he's got it. He was only interested in finding the reason for the anomaly and I will convey what I heard here to him. I'll let you know if he sells it or gets it slabbed. S