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The Buffalo Nickel 1919-D in Very Fine condition is a compelling piece of American numismatic history that captures the spirit of the early 20th-century West and reflects the challenges of minting high-relief coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint during the post-World War I era, the 1919-D Buffalo nickel is a favorite among collectors for its rustic appeal, moderate scarcity, and historical significance. With the United States entering the 1920s—a decade of rapid industrialization, social change, and modernization—this coin stood as a vestige of the frontier spirit and American identity. Even in circulated grades like Very Fine, the 1919-D Buffalo nickel retains the bold character and artistic impact that made this series one of the most beloved in U.S. coinage history.
The Buffalo, or Indian Head, nickel was first minted in 1913 and was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. Fraser, who had personal memories of the American West, sought to capture its fading legacy through imagery that honored Native American culture and the rugged strength of the American bison. The obverse features a profile of a Native American man, based on a composite of several individuals, while the reverse shows a large, standing buffalo. These images brought a new level of realism and symbolism to circulating coinage, breaking from neoclassical conventions and embracing a truly American artistic vision. The series continued through 1938 and is today considered one of the most iconic coin designs in U.S. history.
The obverse of the 1919-D Buffalo nickel displays the striking right-facing portrait of a Native American adorned with a feathered headdress. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and the date “1919” are placed along the upper right and lower left, respectively. In Very Fine condition, much of the central detail is preserved. Liberty’s cheek, jawline, and brow show some flattening from circulation, but the hair braids, nose, and feathers retain strong definition. The date is clearly legible, and the word “LIBERTY” remains mostly sharp, with only minor wear on the letters. The coin’s obverse in this grade retains its expressive power, with the rugged features of the portrait still visible and compelling.
The reverse features the majestic image of an American bison standing on a raised mound. Above the buffalo is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and just below that is the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The denomination “FIVE CENTS” is struck at the bottom, and just below that, the small “D” mintmark indicates the coin’s origin at the Denver Mint. On Very Fine examples, the buffalo’s front leg and shoulder remain distinct, and the outline of the hump and back legs is clear, though some details in the fur may be smoothed by wear. The “FIVE CENTS” denomination and the mintmark remain legible and bold, essential for identifying the issue and grade.
The Denver Mint struck 8,006,000 Buffalo nickels in 1919, a relatively modest mintage compared to other years in the series. Despite this quantity, the 1919-D is a semi-key date in the Buffalo nickel set due to a combination of uneven strike quality and heavy circulation. Many examples were poorly struck, especially on the reverse where detail in the buffalo’s head, front leg, and tail often appears soft. As a result, finding well-struck and well-preserved examples can be a challenge. Coins that have survived in Very Fine condition or better are particularly desirable, as they retain significant design detail and offer collectors a balanced combination of quality, historical value, and relative scarcity.
In Very Fine condition, the 1919-D Buffalo nickel exhibits moderate, even wear on both sides, but still presents strong visual appeal. On the obverse, the major facial features of the Native American remain defined. The hairline and braid details are slightly worn but still visible, and the feather tips, while smoothed, can be seen distinctly. The date and legends are complete and bold, with no merging into the rim. The reverse retains a clear outline of the buffalo, and although some of the finer details in the shaggy coat may be worn, the muscular structure, horns, and legs are easy to distinguish. The raised mound on which the buffalo stands is also largely intact.
One of the challenges of collecting early Buffalo nickels, particularly branch mint issues like the 1919-D, is that many were struck with worn dies, resulting in generally weaker definition compared to Philadelphia issues. The Denver Mint had difficulty maintaining high relief in the dies, which often led to incomplete details in the buffalo’s front leg and tail area. In a Very Fine 1919-D, despite the original striking weakness, enough of the design remains to clearly convey the full composition. Collectors value these examples for showing the coin’s intended form while preserving its authenticity and rugged charm acquired through honest circulation.
Coins in this grade typically exhibit natural toning, ranging from medium gray to rich brown, with possible golden or reddish highlights around the devices. The coin’s surface may show light, scattered marks from its time in commerce, but these are generally minor and do not interfere with the overall design or legibility. Collectors generally prefer examples with even color and wear, strong rims, and no signs of harsh cleaning, corrosion, or damage. A Very Fine 1919-D with original surfaces and attractive patina is especially desirable, offering a genuine glimpse into everyday economic life in postwar America.
Historically, the 1919-D Buffalo nickel reflects a moment of great transition for the United States. The country had emerged from World War I just months earlier, and 1919 marked the beginning of a decade defined by innovation, cultural evolution, and growing industrial power. Yet coins like the Buffalo nickel served as reminders of the fading frontier and the traditional American values rooted in the land and its original inhabitants. The bison itself, once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting, stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and natural heritage—qualities the nation admired and aspired to preserve during its shift into modernity.
Collectors prize the 1919-D Buffalo nickel in Very Fine condition as a type that balances accessibility with historical depth and artistic distinction. While higher-grade Mint State coins offer more dramatic detail, they are significantly more expensive and harder to find. Very Fine examples provide the opportunity to own a coin with strong remaining design elements, historical character, and attractive surfaces at a more approachable price point. For those building a complete Buffalo nickel collection, the 1919-D serves as both a challenge and a reward—a date that combines scarcity, beauty, and significance within a classic American series.
The Buffalo Nickel 1919-D Very Fine is a coin that carries both artistic richness and historical resonance. From its bold design by James Earle Fraser to its rugged survival through years of circulation, it captures the essence of early 20th-century American coinage. Its place in the postwar economy, its Denver Mint origin, and its striking yet often softly detailed appearance make it a captivating collectible. Whether pursued as part of a complete set or appreciated as a standalone piece of Americana, the 1919-D in Very Fine condition continues to offer collectors an enduring link to the values and imagery that define the American numismatic tradition.