Buffalo Nickel - Error?

First of all, I am very new to collecting.  I have this Buffalo Nickel that I would like to get some input on.  The fact that the date is smooth, and not readable, may make the coin worthless.  If so, please let me know that.  I just found the coin to be interesting.  Take a look at the pictures and let me know your thoughts.





Thanks!
Jason

Well, this coin cannot be graded by one of the top-tier grading services, that's for sure. NGC will not grade a coin which has an illegible date. Link:http://www.ngccoin.com/details/artifical-and-counterfeit-coins-ngc-will-not-grade.aspx

But regarding the value of this coin, I'm not sure how one would go about with the valuation, because once again, the illegible date makes it impossible to assign a value to it.

According to the Krause catalog, values can vary very widely for Buffalo Nickels by year. For instance, a 1913S Buffalo Nickel at grade G-4 can fetch $350, but a 1913 Buffalo Nickel at G-4 will fetch $8.00, while a 1915 Buffalo Nickel also at grade G-4 will fetch $6.50.

What happened to the coin by the way? Just curious. It looks like someone tried to file it down with an industrial grinder or something.

Dateless buffalo nickels are so common there is actually a line for them in the listing: https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1109.html

I am not sure what happened to the coin.  I got it with a coin lot that I purchased and thought it was interesting.

I think that's a 1913 no mint mark, AG-3 Type I Buffalo Nickel. It was used in circulation for a LONG time. Hard life. Also, probably VERY worn die.

You could always acid date it.