1918/7-D 5C MS(PCGS#3939)

The November 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3057

等级

MS65

价格

1,245,534

详细说明

Incredible Gem MS-65 1918/7-D Nickel 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-101. MS-65 (PCGS). All eyes will be focused on the auctioneer as this crosses the block and thousands of bidders on the Internet will be watching on their screens. Offered is an extraordinary example of an overdate that is highly prized in anyMint State grade, but in Gem condition is of the highest rarity and enjoys the greatest demand. The surface quality is outstanding and the luster is undisturbed and flashy, full nickel-white with a blush of pale gold and blue. The diagnostic thin die crack is present from the chief's hair along his cheek nearly to his mouth, this diagnostic feature further confirms the validity of this prized rarity. The strike is sharp on all devices, with the bison's horn complete and the split on his tail present as well, features commonly lacking on branch mint coins of this era. A strong loupe reveals the overdate feature with the 7 clearly placed in equal depth and presence as the 8; this blunder was caused during the die creating process where a single die was created by impressing it from two hubs, one dated 1917 the other 1918, and is similar to other overdates of the 20th century. PCGS has certified just two at this grade level with a single coin awarded the finer "+" grade. In total, PCGS records 46 grading events for all Mint State grades of this variety, a tiny number indeed for such an important date in the main Buffalo nickel collection. This overdate has always been elusive; it was not discovered numismatically until January of 1932 when Barney Bluestone published an example. Thus survivors were generally well worn or just happened to be included in date collections. There are probably between 2,000 and 3,000 of these in all grades, with 90 percent or more of those circulated examples. Perhaps the obverse die crack rapidly worsened or the coiner noticed the date blunder, as obviously the die was replaced much sooner than normal. Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers Suffice it to say that this is one of the most beautiful 1918/7-D Buffalo nickels I have ever seen. Considering that I have seen quite a few things, this statement is quite significant. Indeed, the coin will be a highlight of our Rarities Night session. PCGS# 3939. PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-65+ finest).