Lot 1148
1913. Type 1. PCGS graded Proof 65. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Boldly struck and mostly untoned. Only 1,520 minted. Satiny golden gray with grand overall eye appeal. All devices were struck with such force and determination by the specially made Proof dies that elements show with razor-edge intensity.
The matte Proof nickels of 1913-16 were usually sold as part of the so-called "silver Proof set." Collectors had another option, however, the "minor Proof set," consisting of the cent and nickel alone. This cost all of 15 cents. These options account for the fact that Proof totals for each year are not consistent from one denomination to the next. The coins were presented to their purchasers in folded tissue paper. The tissues are the bane of today’s collectors, as their high sulfur content caused the coins stored in them to develop irregular and sometimes unattractive toning. The Proof nickels of 1936 and 1937 were, like other denominations, sold individually. The cost of a Proof buffalo nickel from these years had risen to 20 cents, plus 8 cents for postage. 1936 & 1937 were delivered in cellophane bags or sleeves, folded and stapled at their open end. The toning effects that could result from such storage were still unpredictable, but their progress was usually much slower. Nice, original Proof nickels of 1936-37 are more readily available than those of 1913-16, hence the often wide price difference (PCGS # 3988) .
Estimated Value $2,600 - 2,700.
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| Realized $3,795 |
