Lot 581
1918-D Buffalo Nickel. 8 over 7. NGC graded AU-58. The die for this variety must have been made late in 1917 at the Philadelphia Mint (where all branch mint dies originate). It was during the final quarter of each year that the Mint's engravers prepare dies for the next year's production. As described in David W. Lange's buffalo nickel book, "a nationwide shortage of minor coins (cents and nickels) developed during 1917-18 and led to an unprecedented output of these. It is therefore easy to understand that dies for both 1917 and 1918 would have been in preparation during the latter months of 1917 to meet both current and anticipated needs. When two dissimilar hubs were used to make a working die, no one noticed that this one obverse had an 8 over a 7. Or if they did, they just figured let it go since at first glance, or when the coin is held at arm's length, the general public wouldn't notice. That is how the famous 1918-D, 8 over 7 came to be. And a boldly struck example this is, with one of the sharpest over dates we have sen, even on mint state specimens. Pop 25.
Estimated Value $16,000 - 18,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
