$138,000 Worth For 1920-D Buffalo Nickel: Have you ever wondered if a coin in your pocket could be worth thousands of dollars? One such case involves the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel, a coin minted over 100 years ago that can be worth as much as $138,000 in top condition. Yes, you read that right—one little nickel could change your life. This coin is not only rare but also deeply connected to American history and culture. Some 1920-D Buffalo Nickels are still out there, occasionally turning up in old collections or pocket change. But what makes this nickel so valuable? How can you tell if you have one? Let’s dig into the details.
$138,000 Worth For 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is more than just an old coin—it’s a piece of American history, artistry, and potential wealth. While most of these nickels have worn down with time, a lucky few remain in exceptional condition, drawing the attention (and big bids) of serious collectors. Whether you’re a professional numismatist or just checking the coins in your change jar, this iconic piece of currency proves that sometimes, the most valuable things are hiding in plain sight.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1920-D Buffalo Nickel |
| Mintage | 9,418,000 |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Designer | James Earle Fraser |
| Mint Location | Denver (Mint mark: “D”) |
| Circulated Value Range | $5 to $600 |
| Uncirculated Value Range | Up to $138,000 |
| Notable Sale | PCGS MS66 example sold for $138,000 |
| Link to PCGS Profile | PCGS Official Site |
A Quick History of the Buffalo Nickel Series
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by famed sculptor James Earle Fraser to celebrate the American West. The front of the coin shows a proud Native American profile, while the back depicts a mighty buffalo (American bison), an iconic symbol of the frontier.
Fraser reportedly based the Native American design on a combination of three tribal chiefs, and the buffalo on Black Diamond, a bison from the Central Park Zoo. The result is one of the most visually striking coins in U.S. history.
Why $138,000 Worth For 1920-D Buffalo Nickel?
1. Low Survival Rate in High Grade
Although over 9.4 million 1920-D Buffalo Nickels were minted, most were heavily circulated. That means only a few remain in mint state or uncirculated condition.
2. Mint Mark Matters
The “D” mint mark signifies the Denver Mint. Coins from this location in 1920 are known for softer strikes and lower-quality planchets, making high-quality survivors rare and highly collectible.
3. Record-Breaking Auction
The value of this coin skyrocketed when a near-perfect specimen (graded MS66 by PCGS) sold for $138,000 in 2008. This raised awareness and demand, especially among serious numismatists.
How to Identify a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel?
If you think you might have one, here’s what to check:
1. Date
Look on the front (obverse) of the coin. The year 1920 should be clearly visible. Be careful—dates can wear off or be altered on old nickels.
2. Mint Mark
Flip the coin to the back (reverse). Just below the words “FIVE CENTS,” look for a small “D”. This indicates it was minted in Denver.
3. Check the Condition
A coin with minimal scratches and a sharp design (especially on the buffalo’s horn and Native American’s cheekbone) may be worth sending for grading.
Real-Life Stories of Hidden Treasures
One Colorado man found a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel among his grandfather’s old coin jars. Though slightly worn, it graded at AU-58 (About Uncirculated) and sold at auction for over $4,000.
Another story surfaced on a collector’s forum where a young collector traded a 1920-D nickel in VF (Very Fine) condition for an entire album of Morgan Dollars—valued at over $2,000.
These tales show that these coins still show up in unexpected places—estate sales, old family collections, even pocket change.
How Much Is a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel Worth?
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $25 – $40 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $50 – $75 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $100 – $200 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-58) | $400 – $600 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS66) | $700 – $138,000+ |
How to Get Your Coin Appraised?
Step 1: Do NOT Clean It. Cleaning a coin—even with soap and water—can dramatically reduce its value. Leave it as is.
Step 2: Use Online Grading Tools. You can get a rough estimate using websites like:
- PCGS Photograde
- NGC Coin Explorer
Step 3: Send to a Professional Grader. Organizations like PCGS or NGC offer professional grading and encapsulation for coins, preserving and certifying their condition and authenticity.
Step 4: Auction or Sell Once graded, consider selling through trusted platforms:
- Heritage Auctions
- GreatCollections
- Stack’s Bowers
How It Compares to Other Rare Buffalo Nickels?
| Coin | Key Trait | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1920-D | Rare in high grade | Up to $138,000 |
| 1918/7-D | Overdate variety | $1,500 – $350,000 |
| 1937-D 3-Legged | Minting error | $700 – $100,000 |
These varieties show how Buffalo Nickels are a rich field for collectors—full of history, errors, and hidden gems.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel Valued at $4,200 – Do You Own One?
A $350,000 Minting Mishap: The 1937 Buffalo Nickel Error! How to Spot it?
$350,000 Treasure: The 1937 Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel And The Error That Made It Priceless
FAQs About $138,000 Worth For 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
Q: How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is a 1920-D?
A: Look for the year “1920” on the front and a small “D” under “FIVE CENTS” on the back.
Q: Is it really worth $138,000?
A: Only in pristine condition. A graded MS66 coin sold for $138,000 in 2008. Most are worth less but can still be valuable.
Q: What if the date is worn off?
A: Sadly, this lowers the value significantly. However, some dateless coins are used for jewelry or still collected by design.
Q: Can I find one in circulation today?
A: It’s extremely rare, but not impossible. They’ve turned up in change, flea markets, and estate sales.
Q: Where should I sell a valuable nickel?
A: Consider auctions or trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. Always get it graded first.
