Whitman Expo
1938-D Buffalo Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1938-D Buffalo nickel is the last of the regular-issue coins in this series, which was replaced later in 1938 by the still-running Jefferson nickel series. While this issue is actually one of the lower-mintage 1930s issues, with only 7,020,000 minted, it is by far the most common in uncirculated grades. Many were saved in roll quantities due to collectors knowing this would be the last Buffalo nickel minted. An impressive 100,000 or so examples exist in uncirculated grades, with approximately 80,000 in MS65 grades. Several dozen are certified in grades as high as MS68, and it is not difficult to pick out some tremendously beautiful examples of this last-year issue.
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
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
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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