An incredible gem state 1918/1917-D buffalo nickel has sold at the head of the Rarities Night (November 15) auction at the Whitman Baltimore Winter Expo.
 The nickel is incredibly rare in any mint state, yet this was in gem condition |
The expo is hosting a series of auctions from November 14-20, featuring a selection of the finest US and world coins. Rarities Night, which was focused on the scarcest US coins, saw the buffalo nickel sell for $170,000 to lead the evening's proceedings.
The auction house was expecting strong results for the coin from the start, with Q David Bowers commenting: "Suffice it to say that this is one of the most beautiful 1918/1917-D Buffalo nickels I have ever seen. Considering that I have seen quite a few things, this statement is quite significant."
 The overdate error is due in part to staff problems during the first world war |
A highly desirable error in any mint state, it is extremely rare to find this buffalo nickel in gem condition. The example at auction was graded Gem MS-65, and is one of just two to have been given this level. There is only one coin in better condition, which has been given a MS-65+ grade.
The overdate coin was actually struck in the last three months of 1917, but was accidently given the 1918 date due to an overlap in the manufacture of dies at the mint. It is believed that just 2,000-3,000 of the coins were produced, before the coiner noticed the blunder and had the die replaced.
We will be bringing you more from the Baltimore expo over the coming days, so be sure to check back with us. We also have superb selection of rare coins available in our online store.
