Weak strikes are the rule for this date, though the symptoms are not as severe as for coins of the 1920s. Locating a well struck coin is nevertheless very challenging. Luster for the 1934-D nickel is just average to good. The high points are often marred by areas of uncompressed planchet, the metal’s original texture contrasting unattractively with the more finished areas of the coin.
This issue represents the first coinage of nickels by the Denver Mint since 1929! The Midwest was hit hardest by the Great Depression, feeling its effects even before the stock market crash of October 1929. When production of nickels resumed in the latter part of 1934, these pieces appear to have been released almost concurrently with much of the 1926-D, 1928-D and 1929-D mintage. Speculators hoarded the earlier dates, while permitting the 1934-D nickels to become relatively scarce in uncirculated condition.
Varieties:
- Two minor doubled-die reverse varieties are known, as is a re-punched mintmark.
- Most have the Large D mintmark first used on the cents of 1933, but a minority of this date feature the Small D of 1917-29. These were evidently struck with unused reverse dies leftover from previous years.
| Philadelphia | Denver |
| 20,213,003 | 7,480,000 |