Lot 1397
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded MS-64. Boldly struck with nice lovely toning on both sides. Should be cracked out and submitted for a MS-65 grade. Important rarity. Due to the economy's almost insatiable need for small circulating coins during the final boom years of World War I, "The War to Make the World Safe for Democracy," the Engraving Department at the Philadelphia Mint was snowed under in the production of both 1917 and 1918-dated nickel dies in the final months of 1917. In order to produce as many working dies to the branch mint at Denver as quickly as possible for the facility's 1918 production, the Philadelphia Mint took a 1917-dated obverse die and, without realizing its mistake, gave it a second impression from a 1918-dated hub. The Denver Mint took this obverse die, paired it with a reverse die (that has a slightly left leaning D mintmark -- diagnostic), and produced an unknown but fairly small number of 1918/7-D Buffalo nickels. Most examples seen today grade Very Good or Fine, and it is likely that the overdate went unnoticed until years after its release.
PCGS lists more than several dozen Mint State 1918/7-D nickels in its Population Report, several of which probably represent resubmissions. This near-Gem is bettered by only three Mint State 65 examples, but judging by aesthetic standards, its eye appeal alone earns its place in the Condition Census for this key overdate. Sharp and lustrous, extremely sharp, in fact; the surfaces are smooth enough to handle an even higher grade. Warm russet to orange colors put the last touches on this coin's long list of affirmative qualities. A highlight of the present sale, we think bidders will agree, and among the more beautifully toned 1918/7-D nickels our auction firm has handled in a long while. Pop 27; 3 in 65. (PCGS # 3939) .
Estimated Value $75,000 - 95,000.
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| Realized $115,000 |
