1937 D/S Buffalo Nickel

[ZagNut]

This possible OMM is not recognized anywhere that I can find. No 1937 D/S is in the cherry pickers guide and I was wondering how I get this coin slabbed and certified. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[diamond]

It has potential. It is unlikely to be "slabbed and certified" until it gets listed. For the latter purpose you might consider sending it to James Wiles. He can be contacted at jameswiles@sbcglobal.net. Good luck.

[wavysteps]

In the discovery process of a new variety such as this, the host coin should be of a high quality. In this case, the coin appears to be in a grade of F-12, which in my opinion is a bit to low in grade to confirm the existence of a D mintmark over an S mintmark. This coin in that low grade would preclude the finding of adequate die markers for future identification of other coins that may have this same anomaly.

Also, I would ask, "why would such a variety be laying around for 74 years before being discovered?" Being a supposed variety coin, one would think that there is more than just one of this die type made from that working die. While it is possible for a discovery like this to happen, it is improbably.

As for encapsulating the coin, this can be a more grueling process than validating what the anomaly is. Certain companies (PCGS and NGC) use a strict reference guide for what they will add to the label. In the past, the CPG was the only reference and the only numbering system that these two companies used. I am not to sure if that policy is still in effect. Other companies, such as ICG and ANACS, were a bit more lenient as to what number system that they would apply to the encapsulation. However, even then the variety must be identified by an authority before that numbering system can be applied.

I am not trying to be negative about this process, I am just trying to give you all the facts surrounding a discovery piece and the problems that can be encountered. I have had experience in dealing with such.

BJ Neff

[ZagNut]

I'll see what can be done, thanks for the help

[ZagNut]

I did want to add, Yes it has been several decades for a variety like this to pass through but recently there was a 1936 D/D North Wheaty that was just found also making it a mint mark variety that slipped passed everyone for even longer. The sheer amount of Buffalo Nickels that have the date and mint mark obliterated from circulation wear might contribute some. Who knows, I just think its exciting at the prospect of finding a new variety. Note: They do include the word "Unique" in every glossary of every Numismatic book I have come across.