Diagnostic Controls & Presets Final Year Over-Mintmark Rarity (OMM-001)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Re-allocation: Punched with 'D' and shipped to Denver
In early 1938, the Philadelphia Mint prepared dies for San Francisco. When San Francisco decided not to strike any Buffalo nickels in 1938 (preparing for the Jefferson nickel), the die was re-punched with a 'D' and sent to Denver.
OMM-002 (FS-512): Fainter under-serif inside upper D curve
OMM-001 is the premier variety, displaying unquestionable visual evidence of the underlying 'S' protruding from the top left and bottom curve of the dominant 'D' mintmark under a 10x loupe.
Estimated OMM-001 Population: < 2% of Denver mintage
Because 1938 was widely announced as the final year of the Buffalo design, contemporary collectors saved full uncirculated rolls of 1938-D nickels, preserving choice Gem specimens of this famous variety.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Superb Gem tied for finest known on the planet; dazzling satiny luster with razor-sharp underlying 'S' serifs.
Ex-Simpson Collection. Pristine surfaces with needle-sharp full horn and split tail on Black Diamond, bold OMM-001 diagnostics.
Immaculate Gem showing textbook textbook clear upper curve of the 'S' protruding from the left corner of the 'D' mintmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1938-D/S Buffalo Nickel?
The 1938-D/S is a famous 'Over-Mintmark' (OMM) variety where the Denver Mint's 'D' mintmark was punched directly over an already-punched San Francisco 'S' mintmark on the working die. This resulted in the curves and serifs of the 'S' clearly protruding from beneath the 'D'.
Why was a Denver mintmark punched over a San Francisco mintmark?
In 1938, the Buffalo Nickel series was scheduled to be replaced by Felix Schlag's new Jefferson Nickel design. Engravers at the Philadelphia Mint originally punched an 'S' mintmark on a reverse die intended for the San Francisco Mint. However, San Francisco decided not to strike any Buffalo nickels in 1938. Rather than wasting an expensive die, mint engravers punched a 'D' over the 'S' and shipped the die to Denver.
What is the difference between OMM-001 and OMM-002?
Numismatists recognize two distinct over-mintmark dies for 1938-D: OMM-001 (FS-511) is the major variety where the upper loop and lower serif of the 'S' are boldly visible extending outside the 'D'. OMM-002 (FS-512) is a more subtle variety where the 'S' is weaker and located slightly more inside the upper cavity of the 'D'.
How can you distinguish a genuine 1938-D/S from machine doubling?
True over-mintmarks show two distinct punch impressions with rounded, three-dimensional contours. In contrast, common 'machine doubling' (strike doubling) exhibits a flat, shelf-like appearance with shiny scraped metal created when the die bounces during the strike.
Did the San Francisco Mint strike any Buffalo nickels in 1938?
No. The San Francisco Mint struck zero Buffalo nickels in 1938. The only circulation Buffalo nickels struck in 1938 came from the Denver Mint (7,020,000 pieces). Philadelphia struck only Proof specimens (7,058 pieces) for collectors.
What are the key grading points on a 1938-D Buffalo Nickel?
The primary high points that show initial wear are the Native American chief's cheekbone and the hair braids on the obverse, and the buffalo's hip bone, horn tip, and shoulder hair tufts on the reverse. A fully struck MS-65 or higher coin will display a full, rounded horn.
What is the physical composition and weight of the 1938-D Buffalo Nickel?
It weighs 5.00 grams (77.16 grains), measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter, and is made of standard 75% copper and 25% nickel with a plain smooth edge.