1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. FS-101. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC.This phenomenal 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel ranks among the finest certified survivors of this popular and challenging overdate. It is beautifully toned on both sides exhibiting a blend of blue-gray, pale rose and golden-orange patina. The texture is satiny and overall smooth enhancing an impressively sharp strike. Were it not for the tiniest spot on the Native Americans neck, which upon inspection appears to be associated with the most minor planchet flaw in that area, this coin would undoubtedly have received a full Gem rating from PCGS. As it stands this piece is one of the top 1918/7-D Buffalo nickels graded and is an important find for advanced Buffalo nickel collectors, especially those competing for top honors on the PCGS Set Registry.pThis overdate was a result of the United States insatiable demand for circulating minor coins during the final two years of World War I. There was a nationwide shortage of cents and nickels in 1917 and 1918 that resulted in uncommonly large outputs of these denominations. During the final quarter of 1917 the engraving department at the Philadelphia Mint was busy producing dies for both 1917- and 1918-dated coinage. One of the obverse dies for the Buffalo nickel received its first impression from a 1917-dated hub, but the second impression came from a 1918-dated hub. This die was then shipped west for use in the Denver Mint, where it produced an unknown small number of 1918/7-D nickels.p With the vast majority of examples grading no finer than MS-64 level, this premium quality Choice survivor would serve as a highlight in even the finest Buffalo nickel set or variety collection.
