Diagnostic Controls & Presets Classic Overdate Variety
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Due to wartime steel shortages in late 1917, the Philadelphia Mint reused an existing 1917 master die, hubbing a 1918 design over it before shipping to Denver.
If the horn is flat or partially merged into the bison's back, grade drops to Good or Fine.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest known specimen, incredible shimmering cartwheel luster and needle-sharp overdate hubbing.
Honest pocket change survivor with partial horn and unmistakable bold 7 crossbar protruding from the 8.
Dateless coin etched with ferric chloride; overdate visible but surfaces permanently etched and dulled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel overdate created?
During World War I in late 1917, the U.S. Mint faced tool steel shortages. Hubbing a working die required multiple impressions under a heavy hydraulic press. An obverse die was given its initial squeeze using a 1917-dated master hub, and then finished with a 1918 master hub. The die was then punched with a 'D' mintmark and shipped to the Denver Mint.
What are the primary diagnostics to identify a genuine 1918/7-D?
1. The top horizontal bar of the under-digit 7 extends to the left from the upper loop of the 8.\n2. The diagonal crossbar of the 7 is clearly visible inside the upper loop and emerges from the lower loop of the 8.\n3. A genuine Denver 'D' mintmark is positioned below 'FIVE CENTS' on the reverse.
What is an 'Acid Restored' 1918/7-D nickel?
Buffalo nickels often wore down until the date on the raised shoulder was completely smoothed away. Collectors apply a chemical compound called 'Nic-A-Date' (ferric chloride), which etches the compacted strike crystals differently than the surrounding metal, temporarily revealing the date. However, this causes severe chemical damage, reducing its value by 80-90%.
Why didn't anyone notice the 1918/7-D overdate in 1918?
The variety was not discovered by numismatists until roughly 1930—over a decade after it was struck! By that time, the vast majority of the coins had circulated heavily, making uncirculated examples exceptionally scarce.
How does 'Full Horn' affect the grade and price of a Buffalo nickel?
The American bison's horn on the reverse is one of the highest relief points. A coin with a full horn contour typically grades Fine-12 or higher. Because the 1918/7-D is often weakly struck or heavily worn, coins with a sharp full horn command massive premiums.
How much is a 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel worth?
Even in heavily worn Good-4 condition, a genuine 1918/7-D sells for $900 to $1,200. In Very Fine (VF-20 to 30), it fetches $3,500 to $6,000. In uncirculated condition (MS-60 to MS-65), it commands between $40,000 and $350,000+.
How can you detect a fake carved crossbar on a normal 1918-D nickel?
A genuine overdate is in raised relief (embossed) because the die had the incuse 7 cavity. Counterfeiters use sharp blades or gravers to scratch or gouge lines into a normal 1918-D. Under 20x stereo magnification, fake crossbars are incuse cuts into the metal rather than raised lines.