Numismatic

1920-D Buffalo Nickel VG

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The 1920 Buffalo nickel represents a classic era of United States coinage, showcasing a design that celebrates the heritage of the American West. Struck at the Denver Mint, this five-cent piece carries the distinctive "D" mint mark on its reverse. Despite its circulation, which places it in Very Good condition, the coin retains the essential elements of its powerful artistic vision. On the obverse, the profile of an American Indian faces right, a portrait created by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The reverse displays a massive American bison standing proudly on a raised mound. This design captures a rugged, naturalistic aesthetic that departed significantly from the more traditional, European-inspired imagery of earlier American coins. Legendary inscriptions on the coin include the phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the denomination "FIVE CENTS" on the reverse, framing the central figure of the bison. This particular issue from 1920 offers a tangible connection to the early twentieth century, preserving a highly regarded chapter in American numismatic design.