6088

1918/7-S 25C MS65 NGC. FS-008.5. While the famous

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1918/7-S 25C MS65 NGC. FS-008.5. While the famous
<B>1918/7-S<25C> MS65 NGC.</B></I> FS-008.5. While the famous and low mintage 1916 is traditionally regarded as the key to the Standing Liberty series, examples of this classic rarity must have been saved, since Gems are usually available, although at a formidable cost. The 1918/7-S, on the other hand, has not been certified above the MS64 level with a Full Head. A few Gems are known without Full Head definition, the present piece among them. It is not surprising that Gems are very rare for the 1918/7-S, since the variety was not reported until 1937, and the regular 1918-S has a high production of over 11 million pieces. Those collectors not distracted by World War I or an influenza epidemic may have set aside a Mint State example or two, but these were unlikely to be from the single overdated die. Similar to the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, the variety was caused when two obverse hubs with different dates were used to create a single obverse working die. Technically, the variety should be designated as 1918/1917-S, and it is in fact listed as such in Breen's Encyclopedia.<BR>This highly lustrous Gem is nearly brilliant, although hints of apricot color are noted in selected areas. The surfaces are beautifully preserved, and are only disturbed by moderate mint-made clash marks, which are diagnostic of the issue. Several letters in E PLVRIBVS, for example, are detected near Liberty's knees. The all-important date is well struck; the center of Liberty's head and the shield rivets near her waist possess typical definition. The opportunity to acquire a Gem 1918/7-S Quarter does not regularly arrive, and it may be years until a Gem of equal quality appears at auction. Population: 4 in 65, 2 finer (4/05).<BR><I>From The Western Hills Collection.</B></I>