46
|
Three Cent Pieces
R
ARE
G
EM
U
NC
1920-S B
UFFALO
N
ICKEL
Enlargement
246
1920-S
.
NGC graded MS-66
. Lovely rainbow toning on
both sides. Well struck.
Pop 3; none finer at NGC
.
Estimated Value .................................... $35,000 - 40,000
R
ARE
1925-S B
UFFALO
N
ICKEL
Enlargement
247
1925-S
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. Lovely light even toning.
A gorgeous example. This high-end Gem shows an exact-
ness of strike and high quality to which most 1925-S Nick-
els can only aspire. The overall definition is nearly as close
to full as one could realistically expect in an example of this
S-mint strike rarity. Even the bison's head and shoulder on
the reverse are show much (if not complete) detail.
Moving on to the surface preservation, we find that both
sides have retained their full endowment of satiny mint lus-
ter. They have acquired a thin veil of color, but remain virtu-
ally free of grade-limiting blemishes. A beautiful Gem S-
mint coin in all regards, and one that is tied for Condition
Census #1 among survivors of this very challenging S-mint
Buffalo Nickel delivery.
Pop 27; 1 finer in 66
. (
PCGS #
3956
)
Estimated Value .................................... $18,000 - 19,000
H
IGH
G
RADE
1926-S B
UFFALO
N
ICKEL
Enlargement
248
1926-S
.
PCGS graded MS-64+.
CAC Approved
. Well
struck with nice light toning. A popular key date. Dates
ranging from 1919-D, 1919-S, 1920-S, 1925-D, 1925-S, and
(possibly) 1926-D tend to be miserably struck. Some give
top honors to the 1926-S as the worst struck issue in the
entire Buffalo Nickel series. Ironically, the few known Mint
States are recognized for their sterling luster quality and
suitable planchet stock, but the vast majority of survivors
are overall flat on the reverse from having been struck from
extensively worn dies. A slim original mintage of 970,000
pieces adds to the pain of locating a suitable high-grade
'26-S Nickel. Today’s market is particularly tight on these.
This solidly graded MS64+ is in the zone where advanced
specialists congregate. The otherwise pale golden-gray sur-
faces reveal delicate wisps of a sheen of iridescence as the
viewer tips it up and down under a strong light. Satiny in
sheen, it is, with both sides almost silent on the subject of
any blemishes. Clearly there are no spots. Now for the most
important feature: the strike: very sharp for the issue with
full definition in the center of the obverse and throughout
the bison's head and horn, shoulder, and tail on the
reverse. The horn is fully formed (unusual to say the least).
One of the most desirable '26-S Nickels that we have
offered in this grade in recent memory, this virtual Gem is
certain to see determined bidder action when auctioned.
Pop 4; 14 finer in 65
. (
PCGS # 3959
)
Estimated Value .................................... $15,000 - 16,000
249
1927
.
NGC graded MS-67
. Well struck with nice light golden
toning.
Pop 10; 1 finer in 67 Star
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,500 - 5,000
