The striking problem noted for 1918(P) and D is much worse for 1918-S. In addition, the date is sometimes weak, especially in the first two digits. Most examples have frosty luster that is somewhat subdued. A very bright 1918-S nickel is a rarity, but then so are mint state examples of any quality.
What appears as weak striking on Buffalo Nickels and other United States coins of the 1910s and ‘20s is actually a combination of factors. In some instances the dies were set too far apart to make a complete impression. This was done as an economy measure to reduce wear on both the dies and press and to thus extend their useful life. Such economy was practiced even more vigorously during the 1920s, as the budgets of most governmental departments were slashed by the parsimonious Harding and Coolidge administrations.
The Buffalo Nickel was a coin of relatively high relief, and it did take quite a toll on the dies. These wore rapidly, and such erosion is often evident on the actual coins. The reverse dies in particular were used too long, as they didn’t need to be discarded at the end of each calendar year. The combination of increased die-set distances and worn dies produced the mushy, disappointing coins so often seen in this series.
Varieties:
- One or more two-feathers varieties exist, though these are typically placed under a single number (FS-1918-401).
- One die shows an interesting crack through the date that progressed to become a retained cud.
| Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco |
| 32,086,314 | 8,362,000 | 4,882,000 |