Lot 938
1918-D, 8 over 7. PCGS graded MS-64+ PQ. CAC Approved. Boldly struck with lovely russet iridescence on both sides. The surfaces are outstanding and offer strong luster and crisp defintion throughout. The overdate feature is sharp and clear as well, and this was likely an early strike when the dies were quite fresh. Rarely are these important Buffalo nickels found in such superlative condition. It would appear that this coin spent many years housed in an album where it slowly toned and remained so fresh and untouched to earn this lofty grade from PCGS.
Historically America was distracted with World War 1, which took considerable effort to fight. This country joined the fray late in 1917, and the whole mess had ended in late 1918. Thus the news of this time was all about who was winning and why, and what could be done to further the American cause. This incredible ooverdate was created during all this tumult. Someone clearly set it aside and kept it safe and secure for many years, likely completely unaware of the overdate feature or its future value. Today a coin like this is highly valued and exceptionally rare in this condition.
Overdates like this one were created during the die making process, in this case a master hub was used to transfer the entire design to a die with a few blows from the larger coining presses. It must have been late in the year 1917 or early in 1918 when the older 1917 hub was still around. Somehow when making this die both the 1917 and 1918 hubs were impressed into a single die, and this overdate was born. Similar hubbing blunders include the 1909/8 double eagle, 1918/7-S quarter and the 1942/1 dimes. Inspectors would normally catch such a blunder, but obviously a few have made it into production as noted above! These overdates are always popular with collectors, especially when found on the cusp of the gem grade. This is a great coin that should be graded MS-65 or better. Pop 2; 4 finer, 2 in 65, 1 in 65+, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 3939) .
Estimated Value $125,000-UP.
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