The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
When the US Mint resumed the production of proof coins in 1936, the first Buffalo nickels of that proof series were struck with a satin finish similar to the matte proofs of a generation earlier. This did not prove popular with collectors, and the satin finish was quickly terminated in favor of a brilliant proof finish, and some collectors categorically refer to the satin proofs as Type 1 proofs while the Brilliant proofs are dubbed Type 2. About 2,000 are estimated to exist, with most encountered in the PR64-67 range. Several dozen have been certified as PR68, and PCGS has graded two as PR69.
Obverse Description
James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse Description
A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Book Reference
Designer: James Earle Fraser. Weight: 5 grams. Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel. Diameter: 21.2 mm. Edge: Plain. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.
Key to Collecting: Circulated coins are readily available for common dates such as in the 1930’s. Mint State coins are also plentiful for most issues in the 1930’s. However, certain earlier date and mintmark varieties are scarce. Most varieties of the 1930’s are highly frosty and lustrous.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Most Variety 2 Buffalo nickels are poorly struck in one or more areas, and for many Denver and San Francisco issues of the 1920’s, the striking is miserable. However, enough sharp strikes exist among common dates of the 1930’s that one can be found with some patience.
Proof Coins: Matte Proofs of 1913 to 1916 are rare. As these are difficult to distinguish from circulation strikes, be careful when buying. Proofs of 1936 occur with a satiny surface and also with a mirror surface (in the relatively small amount of the open field available). Proofs of 1937 have mirror surface in the fields. The motifs of the 1936 and 1937 mirror Proofs are lightly polished in the die (not frosty or matte).
Catalog Information
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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for Buffalo Nickel 5c Satin Finish, 1936 PR [Type]
Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/1936-buffalo-nickel-five-cents-type-coin-proof-strike-satin-finish/gsid/74212 GSID: 74212 Title: Buffalo Nickel 5c Satin Finish, 1936 PR [Type]
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Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR68 |
|
$7,500 | $1,234 |
| PR68 | - | $5,750 | $1,234 |
| PR67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
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