1920-D Buffalo Nickel – A Rare and Valuable Coin
The splendid allure of the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel manifests to coin collectors due to historic significance and rarity further to excessive price.
Although this coin was minted at the Denver Mint to the overall of 9.4 million copies, nowadays this coin is left in very small numbers. The important motive for this would be wearing off the coins with time and carelessness in handling and different motives.
Recently, a pristine condition 1920-D Buffalo Nickel changed into sold at auction for $138,000. That is a sign that if this coin were in excessive-grade situation, it would without difficulty fetch lakhs while bought.
Now the question arises as to why this coin is valuable. Can it still be found in movement today? Let’s now talk its records, rarity, and price in element.
Historical Significance of 1920-D Buffalo Nickel

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was first issued in 1913. This coin was designed by famous sculptor James Earle Fraser.
Features of this coin:
- Obverse: Portrait of a Native American chief, which become primarily based at the faces of leaders of 3 different tribes.
- Reverse: Image of a powerful American bison, which is thought to be stimulated by a well-known bison named Black Diamond.
Why is the 1920-D version unique?
This coin changed into minted in 1920 on the Denver Mint, which can be diagnosed by way of the ‘D’ mint mark. This mark is positioned below the buffalo at the reverse facet of the coin.
Although its overall minting turned into 9.4million, only a few cash have survived in excessive grade. This is the principle reason for its severe rarity and excessive price.
Why is the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel rare?
There are several reasons behind the rarity of this coin:
1. Excessive use and poor condition
- The coin was widely circulated, causing many coins to be worn out and with diminished details.
- This has resulted in very few coins surviving in excellent condition.
2. Strike quality problems
- There were several technical problems in the minting of the Buffalo nickel, which often resulted in the coin being produced with a weak strike.
- In particular, the buffalo’s horns and parts of the Indian chief’s hair are often not properly embossed.
- Coins that show these details are much more valuable.
3. Low Survival Rate of Coins
- Thousands of cash were misplaced, melted or destroyed over the years.
- Today, it’s miles predicted that only four,500 coins live to tell the tale in some grade situation.
Price and Valuation of 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
Condition | Estimated Value (Per Coin) |
---|---|
Good (G-4) | $16 |
Very Good (VG-8) | $20 |
Fine (F-12) | $40 |
Very Fine (VF-20) | $107 |
Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $271 |
About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $375 |
Uncirculated (MS-60) | $767 |
Mint State (MS-65) | $5,185 |
Gem Mint State (MS-66) | $49,995 |
The price of this coin depends on its situation. If the coin is in extraordinary condition (Mint State), then its rate can cross up from hundreds to lakhs of rupees.
The maximum public sale price of this coin thus far has been recorded at $138,000, which became given for an MS-67 grade coin.
Is the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel Still in Circulation?

This coin become issued in 1920 and is now over a hundred years antique. Therefore, it’s miles nearly impossible to discover in normal transactions.
Even if someone had been to locate this coin nowadays, it’d be very worn and in poor condition, making it worth very little.
However, coin collectors nevertheless have this coin of their possession, and it can be purchased via auctions, coin sellers, or private sales.
How to Identify and Buy a Valuable 1920-D Buffalo Nickel?
If you are planning to buy or identify this coin, keep the following points in mind:
1. Check for Authentication
- Make sure the coin is authentic.
- Get it certified by a trusted grading service (PCGS, NGC).
2. Evaluate the condition
- Look carefully at the coin’s details, edges, and design
- If the coin is in good condition and has an excellent strike quality, it can command a very high price.
3. Research the market value
- Before buying a coin, look at the current market value and auction results.
4. Buy from reputable dealers
- Buy from a reputable coin dealer or a reputable auction house
- This will guarantee quality and authenticity.
Conclusion – A historic and valuable coin
The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is a valuable treasure in the records of American cash. Its rarity, excessive demand and excellent layout make it very famous amongst coin creditors.
Although this coin is now not observed in circulation nowadays, if one finds a coin in awesome circumstance, its rate can range .
If you’re keen on coin collection, then this coin may be a excellent funding. But before buying it, do a right evaluation of authenticity, situation and marketplace cost.
FAQs
Why is the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel so rare?
Its rarity stems from low survival rates, weak strikes, and heavy circulation wear over the decades.
How many 1920-D Buffalo Nickels were minted?
Approximately 9.4 million were produced, but far fewer exist in collectible condition today.
What is the highest price paid for a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel?
A Gem Mint State (MS-67) example sold for $138,000 at auction.