Numismatic

1919-D Buffalo Nickel XF

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The 1919 five-cent piece struck at the Denver Mint stands as a classic example of early twentieth-century American coinage. Crafted from a copper-nickel alloy, this specimen survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the bold details of its celebrated, rustic design. James Earle Fraser sculpted the artwork for this series, moving away from traditional neoclassical figures to embrace subjects native to the North American continent. The obverse presents a powerful, textured portrait of a Native American man facing right. The single word LIBERTY is positioned along the upper right rim, while the year 1919 is clearly struck at the base of the neck. Fraser utilized a composite of multiple individuals to create this iconic representation, capturing a sense of dignity and strength in the profile. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands facing left on a raised mound of earth. The inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above the animal, while the denomination FIVE CENTS is placed prominently below the mound. Underneath the value, the letter D indicates its origin at the Denver coinage facility, making this a fascinating piece of Western minting history.