Whitman Expo
1938-D/S Buffalo, OMM Nickel MS FS-512 Values
Details
The 1938-D/S repunched mintmark is particularly unusual as no Buffalo nickels were struck at the San Francisco Mint that year, perhaps suggesting a deliberate action by at least one mint employee. Still, this is a neat variety, if one that is not all that rare. It came to light in the early 1960s and many were saved even in the Gem grades.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Denver
Mintage:
7,020,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
D
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Buffalo, OMM
Variety 2:
FS-512
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1938
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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