During 1917-8, a shortage of minor coins towards the end of WWI led to a mass minting of some varieties.
The record minting in 1917 probably led to the existence of a rarity which eagle-eyed numismatists will spot immediately - though it is hardly obvious to the layman's eye: the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent, FS-101.
 Buffalo Cent 1918/7-D Obverse |
The rare coin is the result of two hubs imprinting the date onto a certain die minting the coins towards the end of 1917. The result is a '1918' with a flattened head, as the result of having a 1917 dashed into the same spot.
As the error is a subtle one, it was not noticed for at least a decade, and first appeared at auction in 1931. As a result, few of the coins resulting from the double-hub strike were recognised as valuable at an early stage, and therefore they tend to be found in mediocre condition.
 Buffalo Cent 1918/7-D Reverse |
The example offered in Heritage's sale, however, does not fall into that category at all. Rated MS-65 by the NGC, the coin is a true gem with the detail sharp on both sides including the all important date area, with only a little softening of the buffalo's shoulder.
Hailing from the Brenda John collection, the piece already carries a bid of $32,500 just a couple of days into the internet section of the sale. It would make a great centrepiece for a collection of buffalo cents, and will be taken home following the live sale on June 3 at Longbeach California.
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