Hey fellow collectors!
I’ve been diving deeper into the world of Buffalo nickels lately, and I’ve come across some intriguing Double Die Obverse (DDO) varieties. As a relative newbie in this specific area, I want to expand my knowledge and find some solid resources for identifying and attributing these varieties. I recently picked up a 1918 DDO, and the doubling is subtle, so I’d love to learn how to differentiate between the various types more accurately.
I’ve done a bit of research online but found the information a bit scattered. I’ve checked out some YouTube videos and a few forums, but nothing quite sticks. I’m especially interested in any guides that provide detailed images and comparisons. What has worked for you all? Do you have any favorite books or websites?
Looking forward to hearing your recommendations and personal insights! What has been your experience with Buffalo DDOs? Are there specific markers or characteristics that you focus on when hunting for these? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hey @CoinHunter82, welcome to the fascinating world of Buffalo nickels! For DDO varieties, I’ve found the following resources to be extremely helpful:
- PCGS has a great section on varieties that you can browse to see detailed pictures.
- The book “The Buffalo Nickel: An Illustrated Guide” by David McCarthy goes in-depth about the various types and includes clear imagery for comparison.
- Don’t forget about NGC – they often have great articles and educational material.
When I started, I was amazed by how subtle the differences can be. It really takes practice and a keen eye! Another tip is to join online forums or social media groups dedicated to numismatics; there, collectors share their finds and insights on identifying these varieties.
Good luck with your 1918 DDO! It’s such a unique piece!
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Thanks for the suggestions, @NumismaticNerd! I will definitely check out the PCGS and NGC websites for resources. I hadn’t thought of joining a Facebook group dedicated to Buffalo nickels, but that sounds like a great idea! Any specific groups you’d recommend?
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I just want to chime in that photographing the coins can be a great way to help spot the differences! Sometimes looking at them through a camera can help you see details you might miss at first glance. Also, don’t forget to check resources like CoinWorld for articles on specific varieties that can really enhance your understanding.
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Hi all! I’ve been collecting Buffalo nickels for a while now, and one resource I found exceptionally useful is the website CopperCoins. They have detailed attributions for DDOs and even state the rarity of each variety! It’s a great way to know what you might be looking at.
In terms of markers, look closely at the liberty on the obverse; the doubling can definitely be tricky without the right light. Good luck on your journey!
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Thanks, @BuffaloHunter79! I really appreciate the heads-up about the CopperCoins website. I’ll be sure to check that out. It’s interesting to hear about the liberty marker as well!
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Hey @CoinHunter82, there are a couple of good Facebook groups I recommend:
- ‘Buffalo Nickel Collectors’ - They really focus on DDO varieties.
- ‘Numismatic Nerds’ - A broader group, but very supportive!
You can find a lot of experienced collectors in those groups who are eager to share info and answer questions.
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As someone who’s been in the hobby for years, I can tell you that keeping an organized inventory of your coins can help tremendously, especially with DDOs where varieties can get confusing! Consider using software like Numismatica to keep track of your collection. This way, you can easily reference each piece and see what markers you’ve identified. Plus, it makes your collection look super professional!
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That sounds like a smart approach, @CoinSleuth99! I need to be more organized with my collection. I’ll look into the Numismatica software, thanks for that tip!
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Great point about photography, @CoinEnthusiast88! Using a macro lens can really help bring out those DDO details! Sometimes, I even use an app to edit the photos for contrast so the doubling stands out even more. Definitely valuable for both researching and sharing finds.
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I love this thread! It’s like a treasure hunt just reading everyone’s input about Buffalo DDOs! Just remember, stay patient during your hunts—you’ll find the best coins when you’re least expecting it! I once found a mint state Buffalo while just flipping through a box of junk coins at a garage sale - total win!
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