1938-D Over Mint Mark WOMM-004

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1938-D 5-cent WOMM-004 and cross-referenced as CONECA RPM #8, this over mint mark variety on the final-year Buffalo Nickel was originally listed as WOMM-006 before being reassigned when WOMM-004 and WOMM-005 were determined not to be genuine OMM varieties. The 1938-D is the last regular-issue Buffalo Nickel, making die varieties from this date particularly appealing to series specialists. Obverse Stage A shows east-west die scratches above the date, while Stage B exhibits weak circular lathe scratches near the upper back of the head at the 11:00 position — likely present and stronger on Stage A specimens as well. Reverse Stage A markers include a NNE/SSW die scratch in the center of the lower opening of the E in FIVE, northeast die scratches from inside the C of CENTS, and a die gouge in the field below the left side of the E in CENTS. By Reverse Stage B, the scratch at the E of FIVE persists while other Stage A markers weaken, and the secondary mint mark becomes less distinct, with the strong details of the underlying S mint mark fading.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson Cross References: CONECA: RPM #8 Comments: This variety was originally listed as WOMM-006. It was reassigned when it was determined that WOMM-004 and WOMM-005 were not actually OMM varieties.
• CONECA: RPM #8 Comments: This variety was originally listed as WOMM-006. It was reassigned when it was determined that WOMM-004 and WOMM-005 were not actually OMM varieties.; Wexler Variety ID: 1938-D 5¢ WOMM-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References