Hey fellow collectors! I recently came across a 1936 Buffalo nickel in my change jar that caught my eye. After some close inspection, I noticed some doubling on the obverse, particularly around the letters in “LIBERTY” and the date. I’ve done a bit of research and it looks like it could be a DDO (doubled die obverse)! How cool is that? But I’m just not sure about its authenticity.
The coin is in pretty decent shape, maybe a Fine to VF grade, but the doubling isn’t as prominent as I’ve seen in some of the confirmed DDOs online. I checked out some forums and videos to compare, but a lot of the guides seem a bit over my head. Has anyone else experienced a similar find?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you usually confirm whether a coin like this is genuine? Any tips on identifying the specific markers for this DDO? Or should I consider getting a professional appraisal? Looking forward to your insights!
Congrats on your find! A 1936 Buffalo nickel that might be a DDO can be quite exciting. The best way to confirm its authenticity is to compare it against known examples of 1936 DDOs. You can reference the PCGS database, which has images of verified coins including markers like any noticeable doubling in the LIBERTY area and the date.
Here are some steps you can take to identify its authenticity:
- Check the details around the letters for any extra thickness or shadows.
- Use a magnifying glass to examine the fields around the doubling; area around the letters should have less wear if it is a genuine DDO.
- Consider getting it graded by a professional service like NGC or PCGS if you’re uncertain.
Trust me, it’s worth it if you can confirm it’s a legit DDO. Good luck, and I’d love to see pictures of it once you validate your find!
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Thanks for the detailed reply, @CoinExpert99! I really appreciate the tips. I’ll definitely check out the PCGS site for comparison. I’m a bit nervous but excited at the same time!
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I have a 1936 Buffalo DDO myself! It was pretty subtle, but once I paired it with references from various coin books and a few forums, it became clear. I recommend checking out NGC’s website for their guide on identifying DDOs. They explain the nuances of mint marks and visual markers quite well.
It’s also a good idea to post clear photos here if you can; sometimes the community can help spot things that might be missed. Also, don’t feel discouraged if the doubling isn’t super pronounced. Some DDOs can be tricky! Keep us updated on what you find.
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Good idea, @OldCoinHunter! I’ll try to share some photos later. I’ll check out NGC! It’s nice to hear that the find still could be valuable, even if the doubling is subtle. Appreciate the encouragement!
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Just a quick note! If you’re looking for visual guides, the US Mint website sometimes has educational resources. Above all, make sure to document everything carefully. It can also help if you ever decide to sell or trade it down the line!
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I’ve had a similar experience! Found a 1936 DDO last year. Graded Fine and it turned out to be well sought after! Just remember, even if it doesn’t seem obvious at first, don’t ignore subtle clues. Sometimes the finest details make the biggest differences. You’ll never know unless you investigate more! Cheers, and good luck!
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Thanks for sharing your story, @CollectorJane! It gives me hope! I’ll keep looking for those subtle clues!
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To be honest, I’ve always found Buffalo nickels are some of the most rewarding to collect! But there’s nothing quite like the thrill of potentially having a DDO. Hope it all works out for you! Happy hunting!
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Thank you, @SilverLover81! It is the thrill of the hunt that excites all of us, right? Here’s hoping I can join the ranks of DDO owners soon!
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Did someone say DDO? Remember to have fun with it a bit! Sometimes, with all the research and grading, we forget that enjoying coins is part of the hobby! Good luck, and keep us posted!
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Double check the edges! Sometimes, you might notice doubling that might not be directly visible on the front, particularly if there was any striking error. Also, consider the orientation. If you’re ever uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local coin dealer or a trusted appraiser—most are pretty friendly!
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