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2005-D Speared Bison
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint | Denver |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 487,680,000 Combined mintage for all 2005-D varieties |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | Joe Fitzgerald / Jamie Franki |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-1574 |
Collection
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Other recorded varieties for 2005-D:
- 2005-D Bison · Bison
- 2005-D Western Waters · Western Waters
External references
The 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson nickel is a significant die variety showing what appears to be a "spear" piercing the back of the bison on the reverse. The "spear" is actually a die gouge or scratch that produced a prominent raised line on struck coins, but the effect resembles a weapon piercing the animal. The variety was caught early in production and affected dies were removed, but surviving examples exist and are collected as a recognized modern variety.
Identification requires examining the bison's back for the raised line that runs diagonally from above the bison's shoulder down through the body. The diagnostic is immediately visible on Mint State examples and can be confirmed through comparison with reference images of known Speared Bison specimens. PCGS and NGC both attribute the variety on certified examples.
The 2005-D Speared Bison commands meaningful premiums over normal 2005-D Bison nickels. Surviving populations are limited, and Mint State examples are sought by collectors building comprehensive modern Jefferson nickel variety sets. Heritage Auctions has sold certified examples at prices reflecting their scarcity within the modern series.
The Speared Bison illustrates how die damage can create visually striking varieties even in modern coinage. Unlike intentional design features, the "spear" was an accidental die defect that happened to produce a memorable visual effect on struck coins.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | — | — |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | — | — |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | — | — |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | — | — |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | — | — |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | — | — |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
How many 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickels were minted?
What is a 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel made of?
What is the melt value of a 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel?
Is the 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel a key date?
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