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The 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history that stands out due to its unique minting error. This coin, produced during the final year of the Buffalo Nickel series, is known for its distinct overmint mark, where the "D" mintmark appears over a previously struck "D." The Buffalo Nickel series, designed by James Earle Fraser, began in 1913 and continued until 1938. The 1938-D over D error coin represents a rare and intriguing variation from the end of this storied series.
The Buffalo Nickel series was introduced to replace the Liberty Head design that had been in use for decades. James Earle Fraser, an accomplished sculptor, was selected to design the new coin, which aimed to celebrate the American frontier and its Native American heritage. The obverse features a detailed profile of a Native American chief, a composite of several Native American figures, and the inscription "LIBERTY" along with the year of minting, "1938." The reverse side displays an American bison standing on a mound, with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS." The bison design, along with the mound of earth, evokes a sense of the American West, capturing the essence of the era.
The 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel was minted at the Denver Mint, as indicated by its "D" mintmark. The Denver Mint, established in 1906, was one of the primary facilities responsible for producing coins during this period. The "over D" error occurred due to a minting mistake where a "D" mintmark was overstruck on top of a previous "D" mintmark. This error, while relatively uncommon, provides a unique glimpse into the minting process and the quality control measures in place during that time. The production of the 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel adds an extra layer of interest for collectors and historians alike.
The total mintage for the 1938 Buffalo Nickel was approximately 7,040,000 coins, with a portion of these being the 1938-D over D variety. While the overall mintage was relatively high, the specific number of over D error coins is much lower, making them more sought after by collectors. The 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel is valued not only for its historical significance but also for its rarity and the distinctive nature of the minting error.
In Very Fine condition, the 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel shows a level of wear that is consistent with its age and circulation. The coin retains a good amount of detail, though some of the finer features may be softened. On the obverse, the profile of the Native American chief remains recognizable, with the "LIBERTY" inscription and the year "1938" still visible but exhibiting signs of wear. The reverse side displays the bison with its general shape and stance intact, though the mound and finer details might be less sharp. The over D mintmark is discernible, though it may be slightly worn, highlighting the unique error in its production.
The 1938-D over D Buffalo Nickel in Very Fine condition is a prized piece for numismatists and collectors. It represents a rare and intriguing error from the final year of the Buffalo Nickel series, offering insight into the minting process and the quality control challenges of the era. For enthusiasts, this coin is not only a valuable collectible but also a historical artifact that captures the essence of American coinage and its rich heritage.