1918 D Buffalo nickels, there is a noticeable and easily detectable over-date error. It is even famous on a heavily worn coin, and many believe this an essential addition to any serious Buffalo nickel collection. When evaluated side by side the over date is exact. There is a “squaring” of the 8, because of the sharp upper corner of the 7. With the help of a magnifying glass, locating the D mintmark, judging condition, and the possibility of identifying extra rarity combinations to make any 1918 Buffalo nickel an exciting coin to evaluate.
History of 1918 D Buffalo Nickel
Situated just five years after gold was found in the nearby area, the Denver Mint was founded 1863 as the local assay office. An assay office, which was essential for the growth of the area, evaluates the quality of various valuable metals. The Denver Mint did not start minting coins until 1906 when the Treasury Department decided, a location was needed due to the high demand for coins. A fascinating coin of minting history is the 1918-D Buffalo nickel, which was among the first pieces struck at the Denver location.
Specifications
- Year: 1918
- Mint Mark: D
- Type: Buffalo Nickel
- Face Value: 0.05 USD
- Produced: 8,362,000
- Edge: Smooth
Design
The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, features iconic imagery on both sides.
Obverse:
The obverse side shows a Native American facing right, which is thought to be multiple Native American chiefs from various tribes. The coin’s date is on the man’s shoulder, and the text, “LIBERTY,” turns the top right side of the coin. The coin was struck in the best detail, because the features of cheekbones, hair texture, and feathers arise to be very real on well-preserved coins.
Reverse:
The reverse shows a highly-detailed buffalo standing on the top side of a flat landscape. The buffalo was sported after a Central Park Zoo bison known as Black Diamond. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” text is inscribed on the top edge of the coin and the Latin motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” is written above the back half of the bison. The coin denomination is seen at the bottom of the coin.
Rarity and Condition
The 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is rare, mainly because of the over-date error. Collectors should look for a squared upper corner of the 8, which shows the underlying 7. This over-date feature significantly increases the coin’s value. Even in average condition, a 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is valued at around $24. However, coins in the mint state can bring very high prices, going from $500 to over $3,000, with fresh examples of the over-date error commanding prices nearing $2,000.
Value of 1918 D Buffalo Nickel
The value of a 1918-D Buffalo Nickel varies widely depending on its condition and the fact of the over-date error. An average coin in good condition generally deals for around $20 to $30. However, those in higher grades, specifically with the over-date error, can be valued anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. According to CoinTrackers.com, a 1918-D Buffalo Nickel in the mint state can be worth about $3,300.
Errors and Interesting Facts
The most famous error on the 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is the over-date, where the 8 seems to have a sharp upper corner because of the underlying 7. This error is a result of the minting process, where a 1917 die was repurposed for 1918 production.
Another impressive fact is the value of the Denver Mint in making Buffalo Nickels. With over 225 million Buffalo Nickels struck at the Denver structure, the 1918-D remains a key coin from this mint. Also, the last year of Buffalo Nickel production, 1938, saw all coins minted in Denver, further improving the desirability of Denver-minted Buffalo Nickels among collectors.
Also Read – 1943 Lincoln Cent: A Guide for Coin Enthusiasts
Conclusion
The 1918 D Buffalo Nickel is more than just a part of currency; it is a piece of American history, grabbing the artistry and culture of its time. Its unique design, historical value, and intriguing over-date error make it a standout in the numismatics world. For collectors, holding a 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is not only a matter of value but also a relation to the rich tapestry of America’s past.