Lot 1180
1920-D. PCGS graded MS-65. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Lovely toning. Better than average strike. To collectors familiar with this Five-cent series, the 1918-S Buffalo is one of the most difficult to find in Choice to Gem condition, indeed, among the more elusive S-mint dates from the teens. Strikes tended to be somewhat blurred. This occurred when the San Francisco Mint overworked its dies, leaving them in the presses well past the time they had begun to show wear and deterioration. Hence, any surviving Gems are from an elect few that were saved at the time, either by accident or through the activities of devoted coin collectors.
It is striking deficiencies, rather than overall rarity, that explains the elusiveness of the 1920-D in Gem grades. The example that we are offering here is far superior to others in that is was well impressed by the dies and somehow (no one knows just how at this distance in time) survived better than 98% of 1920-D nickels known to collectors. We do, however, note some softness of detail over the central highpoints on both sides, such as the Indian’s braid and the two feathers, as well as the bison's head on the reverse. This feature, however, is marginal for the issue, and its effect on the overall desirability of this coin is immeasurably improved by the gleaming fresh luster. Both sides boast outstanding mint bloom with a satiny texture, and there are no out of the ordinary blemishes. Golden toned, this is a coin whose importance should be obvious to advanced Buffalo Nickel specialists. Pop 62; 4 finer, 1 in 65+, 3 in 66 (PCGS # 3945) .
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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| Realized $11,500 |
