This is one of the key dates of the Twentieth century coinage, and a very high grade for this important overdate.  The strike is sharp on the obverse and reverse, with a well split tail on the bison and his large horn complete to the point. A few very minor areas of softness are found on the head of the bison, but this one shows more complete detail than most of the survivors of this issue. Lustrous and appealing with problem free surfaces save for a few faint hairlines. The color is nickel gray with a blush of gold starting to form.   Diagnostic die crack from just above the hair knot on the chief towards his mouth, and the overdate feature is clear with a glass. Identifiable by a minute planchet rough area near the rim below the inside feather tip on the obverse, and a tiny nick about midway on the bison's stomach between his legs at the height of his shoulder. A strong glass will note a couple of trivial specks on the bison's legs, one nestled in the fur his left foreleg, the other just above the ankle on his left rear leg.  

Despite decades of publication and extensive searching, this remains one of the most elusive of all Twentieth century issues. Fewer than 600 have been graded by both NGC and PCGS in all grades, the vast majority of which show substantial circulation. Hence, this rarity is not only a key date for the Buffalo nickel series, but one of the key dates in all of American numismatics. In any mint state grade this issue is a great rarity, and with this particular coin just a breath from a gem grade, makes it one of the most desirable coins in this entire sale. An exciting opportunity for an advanced numismatist to put away a regal example of this classic rarity. 

Formerly housed in a PCGS MS64 holder, this coin was procured for the Richmond Collection in the May 1999 Sale of the Chesapeake Collection by Bowers & Merena Auctions (lot #1301).

NGC Census: 11, 2 finer (MS-65 finest). PCGS Population: 19, 2 finer (MS-65 finest).