1920-D 5C MS67 ★ NGC....

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Stunning 1920-D Buffalo Nickel, MS67 ★

1920-D 5C MS67 ★ NGC. Ex: Yankee Collection. After the 1920-D Buffalo nickel issue was produced, the Denver Mint took three years off, with the next Denver Mint Buffalo nickel minted in 1924. David Lange explains why in The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels (third edition):

Conventional wisdom, aided by the poorly-researched articles of well-meaning numismatic writers, has long ascribed this drop in production to the fact that the Mints were too busy coining silver dollars mandated by the 1918 Pittman Act. In reality, the huge mintages of minor coins prompted by the wartime boom of 1916-20 collided with the severe economic recession of 1921-22. The U.S. Mint director's annual reports clearly reveal that there was simply a glut of coins during the early 1920s, and it wasn't until the latter months of 1923 that a demand appeared for additional pieces.

The large mintage figure of nearly 10 million coins does little to suggest the importance of the 1920-D nickel in higher Mint State grades. Denver Mint press operators were frequently inattentive at that time, and allowed production of coins that were below the accepted standard. Many poorly produced pieces lack strong details, although sharply struck examples can be found with patience. A number of coin designs have a special designation for sharply defined examples, such as Jefferson Full Steps nickels, Mercury Full Bands dimes, and Franklin Full Bell Line half dollars. Each of those series have individual issues that are major rarities when fully struck, and priced accordingly. The Buffalo nickel deserves its own sharp strike designation, perhaps "Full Tail" or some such, with the result of increased recognition for sharply defined pieces. Forward looking collectors may want to search for sharply detailed Buffalo nickels in advance of such a designation addition, should it ever happen.
Concentric target toning comprises heather and lilac in the centers, ceding outward to amber-gold, jade, and violet at the extreme rims. The strike is remarkable even if not quite complete. The braid tie shows full separation at the top and bottom, with trivial softness on the hair just above. The buffalo has a split tail, with minor softness at the shoulder and the hair above the horn. The mintmark and other peripheral details are sharply impressed, although LIBERTY shows minor weakness at the top. Stunning quality overall, with the Star designation.
Connoisseurs recognize the importance of sharply struck Buffalo nickels of all dates, and will take delight with the present specimen. The combination of a bold strike, brilliant underlying luster, and remarkable toning provides an unbeatable triple-play. A single NGC MS66, two PCGS MS66 coins, and two NGC submissions certified MS67 ★ are the only 1920-D nickels certified in grades finer than MS65. In a sale that offers numerous amazing coins, the present opportunity is one that is seldom encountered, and must be aggressively pursued by the specialist.
From The Brenda John Collection.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 22RR, PCGS# 3945, GSID# 3120)

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight: 5.00 grams
Weight: 0.13228oz
Mintage: 9,418,000

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