1919-D 5C Buffalo Nickel
The 1919-D 5-cent coin, known as the Buffalo Nickel, holds a distinct place in early 20th-century coinage due to its historical significance and varying degrees of rarity. Minted at the Denver Mint, this coin is renowned among numismatists for its cultural impact and design, which features the profile of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. This design was crafted by sculptor James Earle Fraser, who drew inspiration from his experiences in the American West.
Rarity and Mintage
The 1919-D Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of 8,006,000. Though it is not the lowest mintage in the Buffalo Nickel series, the coin is considered scarce in higher grades due to issues with striking quality and circulation wear. Coins from the Denver Mint during this era often exhibit weak strikes, particularly around the high points of the design like the bison's head and the Native American's cheekbone and hair braid.
Value and Sales
The value of a 1919-D Buffalo Nickel varies widely depending on its condition. Well-circulated examples are relatively common and affordable for most collectors, typically ranging from $20 to $50 in low grades like G4 to VG8. However, prices increase significantly in higher grades due to scarcity.
- VG10 to F12: Prices can range from $60 to $100.
- VF20 to XF40: Values can command $150 to $400.
- AU50 to MS60: Sales can reach as high as $700 to $1,200.
- MS63 and above: Exceptional examples in mint state are rare and can sell for thousands. For instance, a recent auction might see a sale north of $7,000 for an MS65 coin with Full Horn designation.
Notable Auction Sales
Recent auction results highlight the coin's desirability among collectors. An MS65 example with a sharply defined strike can fetch premium prices at auction houses, reflecting the coin's appeal. For example, certain auctions have seen MS65 coins with Full Horn sold for substantial amounts due to their excellent condition and clarity of detail.
Historical Background
From a numismatist's perspective, the Buffalo Nickel series bridges America's transition from the Victorian era into the Industrial Age, with the 1919-D coin emblematic of this cultural shift. It represents a time when coin design in the United States was evolving from classicist to more modern and symbolic themes.
PCGS Information
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1919-D 5-cent coin has the PCGS number 3948. It is graded based on the intricate details present on the surfaces, which play a crucial role in determining its market value. Its popularity is bolstered by its distinct design and the challenge it poses to collectors seeking high-grade examples. In the numismatic community, the 1919-D Buffalo Nickel is not only valued for its historical significance but also for its intricate art and the collecting challenges it presents, particularly in high-grade conditions. Collectors continuously seek this piece to add a touch of early American history to their collections, appreciating not just its numismatic value but also its role in the cultural tapestry of U.S. coinage.
