Expert: Joe Hylas - 9/14/2008

Question
Hello. I came across an odd looking coin - as history would seem to say most buffalo coins are made out of copper and nickel. My coin however seems to be fully silver (1934). The house I found it in is possibly older than 1900s dating to the late 1800s. The date on the coin can hardly be made out but if you stare long enough it is readable (1934). I have a feeling this coin IS rare as shown here http://www.coinresource.com/guide/photograde/pg_05cbuffalonickel.htm - the coin looks nothing like that one shown in the picture. It is more silver than that coin could ever be. I do believe if I get it tested it would prove to be all silver - my question is - is that rare?


well let me know - thanks!

Answer
A pure silver buffalo nickel would be quite rare.  There are acouple of issues.  #1 is the quality (grade) of the coin, it is low grade.  #2 is that you would have to prove it is silver.  The US did not make silver coins of that size.
You can send the coin to Numismatic Guarantee Corporation for certification.
Visit  www.NGCCoins.com

Good Luck
Joe Hylas