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The Certified 1917-D Buffalo Nickel graded VF30 by PCGS is a mid-grade example from one of the early years of this iconic American coin series. Designed by the sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel—or Indian Head Nickel as it’s formally known—was introduced in 1913 and struck through 1938. The series is celebrated for its distinctly American design that pays tribute to Native American heritage and the rugged wildlife of the American West. The 1917-D issue, minted in Denver, is a scarcer and well-regarded date, especially in solid mid-circulated grades like VF30, where most of the major design elements are still visible, even though the coin has seen moderate wear through circulation.
On the obverse of the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel is the profile of a Native American man facing right, a bold and expressive design that was modeled from a composite of real-life tribal leaders including Iron Tail and Two Moons. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed at the right rim, and the date “1917” is located at the lower left, directly below the neckline. In VF30 condition, the obverse retains strong outline details, with the facial features—especially the nose, lips, and jaw—clearly visible. The braid in the hair is worn but distinguishable, and the feathers above the head still exhibit partial separation. The LIBERTY inscription is often complete or mostly readable, though some letters may show softness typical of this circulated grade.
The reverse displays a powerful depiction of an American bison, or buffalo, standing on a raised mound. Above the bison is the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” while the denomination “FIVE CENTS” appears at the bottom. The “D” mintmark, denoting the Denver Mint, is located beneath the denomination. In VF30, the bison’s major features—including the hump, head, and legs—are still bold, although details in the fur and tail are softened from wear. The horn is usually visible but partially worn, which is expected for the grade. The lettering remains legible across the reverse, and the overall design remains coherent and balanced despite the moderate circulation wear.
The 1917-D Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint with a total mintage of 9,910,000 coins. While not the lowest in the series, this mintage is significantly smaller than that of the Philadelphia issue of the same year, which saw over 50 million pieces produced. As such, the 1917-D is a more challenging date for collectors, particularly in higher circulated and Mint State grades. Most coins from this era were used extensively in commerce, and many saw years of wear before being pulled from circulation. The survival rate for coins in VF30 condition is moderate, making this a solid collectible example for those building a circulated set of early Buffalo Nickels.
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is one of the most respected third-party coin grading firms in the numismatic industry. Their certification of this 1917-D Buffalo Nickel as VF30 confirms that it is an authentic coin with moderate wear and clearly defined major details. The grade of VF30, or Very Fine, places it at the upper end of circulated condition where much of the coin’s detail remains intact, but with flattening on the highest areas. PCGS encapsulation also provides the coin with protection from environmental damage and adds market confidence, especially important for collectors focused on authenticated and accurately graded specimens.
From a numismatic standpoint, the Buffalo Nickel series is one of the most popular and widely collected of all American coin series. Collectors are drawn to its uniquely American themes and its artistic break from the neoclassical motifs of previous coinage. The early dates, particularly those from the branch mints in Denver and San Francisco, are often less common and more desirable. The 1917-D sits in a transitional period of the series, just a few years after the introduction of the coin and prior to some of the well-known strike weakness issues that plagued the mid-1920s. As such, it’s a representative of both the series’ artistic maturity and its practical use in circulation.
VF30 examples like this one offer collectors a sweet spot between affordability and visual detail. Unlike lower grades such as Good or Fine, where much of the design may be worn smooth, Very Fine coins still showcase key features of the original engraving. The bison’s outline is sharp, and the Native American profile retains expressive character. This makes VF30 a particularly satisfying grade for collectors seeking pieces that are clearly identifiable, aesthetically pleasing, and rich in circulated history. Coins like this often evoke the period in which they circulated—likely passed from hand to hand during the World War I years and through the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties.
Denver Mint coins from the early Buffalo Nickel years tend to be more elusive than their Philadelphia counterparts, and the 1917-D is no exception. While it is not considered a key date like the 1913-S Type 2 or the 1918/7-D overdate, it nonetheless carries significant collector interest. The coin's scarcity in higher circulated grades, combined with its strong historic appeal, makes it an ideal addition to both complete date-and-mintmark collections and type sets that showcase branch mint issues. A PCGS-certified VF30 example ensures that the collector is receiving a genuine coin that meets the expectations of the assigned grade, further reinforcing its desirability.
From a historical perspective, the 1917-D Buffalo Nickel serves as a reflection of America during a time of international conflict and domestic change. Struck in the same year that the United States entered World War I, this coin represents a period of growing national identity and industrial might. Its rugged design, evoking the frontier spirit and honoring Native American heritage, coincided with America’s transformation into a global power. Owning a 1917-D coin offers collectors not only a piece of numismatic art but also a tangible connection to the social and economic story of the early 20th century.
In conclusion, the Certified 1917-D Buffalo Nickel graded VF30 by PCGS is a mid-grade, historically significant coin with strong collector appeal. With its bold design, moderate but even wear, and branch mint origin, it represents an excellent value for those seeking authentic, visually appealing examples of this classic American series. The VF30 grade ensures that the coin retains its defining details and offers a window into both the artistry and everyday use of early Buffalo Nickels, backed by the certification and protection of one of the most respected grading services in the hobby.