1938-D/D 5C Buffalo Nickel, RPM-2, PCGS MS67+ Registry Set Candidate

Buffalo nickel enthusiasts simply love the popular 1938-D/D variety. The 'D' mintmark is clearly doubled from being punched into the die twice. This piece features a razor-sharp strike and full details. This coin is definitely a keeper!

It was in 1911 that renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser heard that a new nickel design was being sought by U.S. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh. Fraser contacted and later met with Mint Director George E. Roberts and other mint officials. “I realize that no definite commission has been given me in regard to the designs for the new coins,” wrote Fraser to MacVeagh, but nonetheless he acted as if it were a fait accompli. Continuing, the designer wrote that the "idea of the Indian and the buffalo on the same coin is without doubt, purely American and seems to be singularly appropriate to have on one of our national coins …Therefore, I should like to ask whether or not you would consider placing these designs on the new model." MacVeagh never brought in other artists and “made up his mind that if any change was to be made he wanted the Fraser designs.” The artist was asked to lower the relief and make some other slight changes. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the modified design, which was then signed off by the president.