The 1920-D Buffalo nickel is a nice early collectible year, and any coin you can find has great value. Many collectors believe the 1920-D Buffalo nickel to be the standout coin of the 1920’s minting of the coin. It is considered to be an early-series coin in the Buffalo nickel series, and has also been noted as one of the more modern coin designs produced. However, at a century old, this coin is hard to find in great condition. The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most iconic coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint, with a timeless American design crafted by celebrated sculptor James Earle Fraser.
Origins of the Denver Mint
The predecessors of the Denver Mint were the men of Clark, Gruber and Company. During the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, they coined gold dust brought from the gold fields by the miners. In 1858, the men founded a brokerage firm in Leavenworth, Kansas, and then established an office in Denver at the beginning of the Colorado Gold Rush. Desperate to save on shipping and insurance costs associated with shipping gold back east, the firm opened a private mint, which later turned into an official branch of the U.S. Mint.
1920-D Buffalo Nickel Values
Minted at the historic Denver mint, an average 1920-D Buffalo nickel is valued at around eight dollars. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. Collectors should look for clear edges on the design, and a clear engraving of the date, mint mark, and cent-value. These coins are highly sought after and rare - a mint condition 1920-D Buffalo nickel is worth six-hundred dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1920
Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 9,418,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters