1924-D 5C Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS64+ (CAC)

1924-D 5C Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS64+ (CAC)--$2,225.00

      It is with great pleasure that AUCM presents for consideration the 1924-D Buffalo nickel in the desirable grade of MS64+(CAC). This piece would be perfect in a full set of mint state Buffalo nickels, or as a type coin in a set of the coins inspired by the collaboration between President Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. David Hall tells us, "The 1924-D is scarce in circulated grades and very scarce in mint state. Like the other pre-1930 Denver Mint issues, the 1924-D is rare in Gem condition....This issue is usually, but not always, well struck. There are some examples with weak Buffalo horn detail. Luster is of the frosty iridescent type."

      It was in 1911 that renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser heard that a new nickel design was being sought by U.S. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh. Fraser contacted and later met with Mint Director George E. Roberts and other mint officials. “I realize that no definite commission has been given me in regard to the designs for the new coins,” wrote Fraser to MacVeagh, but nonetheless he acted as if it were a fait accompli. Continuing, the designer wrote that the "idea of the Indian and the buffalo on the same coin is without doubt, purely American and seems to be singularly appropriate to have on one of our national coins …Therefore, I should like to ask whether or not you would consider placing these designs on the new model."

      An overview of the development of Fraser’s nickel design was presented in a memorandum from Mint Director Roberts dated March 18, 1913. It read, in part: "Mr. Fraser was a pupil of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and is much interested in the latter’s work upon our gold coins. He agreed with Saint-Gaudens that our coins, besides being counters in trade, should be examples in art, exerting an influence upon the artistic taste of the people." MacVeagh never brought in other artists and “made up his mind that if any change was to be made he wanted the Fraser designs.” The artist was asked to lower the relief and make some other slight changes. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the modified design, which was then signed off by the president.