1919-D

Denver struck 8,006,000 Buffalo nickels in 1919, a modest figure that establishes the 1919-D as a semi-key in the series. The coin is noticeably scarcer than the high-volume Philadelphia issue and commands meaningful premiums in all grades. Most examples circulated heavily and show significant wear, making Very Fine and higher grades genuinely challenging to acquire.

Denver strike characteristics for 1919 are particularly problematic, with many coins showing soft obverse detail and weak bison hair definition on the reverse. Well-struck 1919-D nickels are rare even in lower Mint State grades, and Gem-quality examples with full strike command five-figure prices at auction. The combination of low mintage and typically soft strike makes the 1919-D one of the more difficult Buffalo nickels to acquire in condition.

PCGS survival estimates suggest perhaps 60,000 to 80,000 examples across all grades, with most in lower circulated condition. The coin is typically grouped with the 1914-D, 1914-S, and 1915-S as a core Buffalo nickel semi-key. Heritage Auctions has sold well-struck Gem examples in the $5,000 to $15,000 range over the past decade, with premium-quality pieces bringing higher prices when they appear at auction.