By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS ……
The 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel: A Modern Mint Variety Icon
Among modern U.S. coin varieties, few pieces spark as much curiosity as the 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel. At first glance, the coin looks almost shocking. A long, raised line appears to pierce straight through the back of the American bison. For collectors encountering the coin for the first time, the effect feels deliberate, dramatic, and even humorous. However, the truth behind this famous variety proves far more technical—and far more fascinating.
A Familiar Design with an Unexpected Twist
In 2005, the United States Mint issued special Westward Journey Nickels to commemorate the Lewis and Clark Expedition. One reverse design featured an American bison, a clear homage to James Earle Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel motif used from 1913 through 1938. While the design felt nostalgic, one unexpected flaw transformed a routine modern issue into a standout collectible.
Some Denver-minted examples display a prominent spike-like line running diagonally through the bison’s back. This feature earned the coin its memorable nickname: the “Speared Bison.”
What Caused the Speared Bison Variety?
Despite its dramatic appearance, the Speared Bison Nickel did not result from artistic mischief or experimental design. Instead, the variety formed because of a severe die break. Over time, the immense pressure and repeated use of a working die can cause metal fatigue. When the die fractures, molten metal flows into the crack during striking. As a result, a raised line appears on the finished coin.
Die breaks occur frequently in U.S. coinage. However, most examples show minor bumps or short cracks. In contrast, the Speared Bison die break created a bold, uninterrupted line. Because of its size and placement, the defect instantly captured attention and generated widespread interest among collectors.
Rapid Discovery and Early Market Buzz
Once collectors identified the Speared Bison Nickel, excitement spread quickly. Error and variety specialists recognized the piece as a major modern variety rather than a minor mint flaw. Consequently, prices surged almost immediately. Early examples traded for more than $100, even before population data became clear.
This rapid demand helped cement the Speared Bison’s reputation as one of the most important Jefferson Nickel varieties of the 21st century.
Scarcity, Grades, and Market Values
Today, the 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel remains both popular and legitimately scarce. The variety qualifies as a major listing in PCGS Registry Sets that include Jefferson Nickels, which further fuels demand.
Circulated examples typically sell from $20-$50 and reflect steady collector interest. In Mint State, prices rise quickly. Coins graded MS63 often bring around $200+. At MS65, prices exceed $475, largely because so few high-grade examples exist.
Poor planchet quality plagued many 2005-D nickels. As a result, clean, well-struck coins remain extremely difficult to locate. IN MS66 condition they can range to $1500 or more. Notably, no confirmed examples grade higher than MS66, a fact that reinforces the variety’s long-term appeal.
Why the Speared Bison Still Matters
Nearly two decades after its discovery, the 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel continues to captivate collectors. It combines an eye-catching error, a beloved design throwback, and genuine scarcity. Moreover, it demonstrates how modern coinage can still produce legendary varieties.
For collectors who enjoy dramatic mint errors with strong market support, the Speared Bison Nickel stands as a modern classic, and a reminder that even routine pocket change can make numismatic history.
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I have a 2005 P and was wondering if his privates are supposed to be showing because this old boy is hung like a bull
@Robert Smith Yes – the bison is indeed, shall we say, “anatomically correct”. It’s not an error or oversight.
I have as yet to find a skewered bison coin.
I have always found mint varieties fascinating. I haven’t found any yet, but hoping I will someday.
I have always found mint varieties fascinating.
I believe I will have to search my nickel hoard.
You learn something new every day. thank you
fascinating article – will have to search through my nickles
interesting article – wasn’t aware of mint varieties on this coin
This and all information you present is informative and educational…and profitable if you happen to have one of the featured coins!
I’ve searched hundreds of boxes and a few bank bags of nickes and always dreamed of finding one of these, but I’ve never had any luck finding varieties at all when hunting coins.
Wasn’t aware of this. THANKS for info.
What a cool coin and interesting article! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for these when I look through my change and coins.
Haven’t found the speared bison or Eagle but still trying.
The bison is such a cool looking animal.
I didn’t know about this variety before. Thanks for posting it!
I love articles like this. Can’t wait to start looking a little more closely for this one!
Interesting variety.
Really interesting! I never knew about this error coin. I need to look at my stash of nickels as well. Thanks for a great coin and article!
Thank You for this information. Nice easy read.
Probably won’t open the uncirculated rolls I bought from the mint
Good article and informative.
Very informative article on the 2005 Speared Bison Nickel.
Wonderful article on the 2005 Speared Bison Nickel.
Mint varieties like these are the best sort of variety, in my opinion. They’re rare enough to be special, but common enough for the average collector to have a chance of finding them.
Thanks for another great article. I doubt if I have one but I” have to go through my stash of nickels and check. I learn so much from these articles.
Ok. That’s pretty cool!!!
I was un-aware if this until now. Will go thru all my nickels and see if I get lucky …. Recently recovered a 1964 Washington quarter in very good condition from a carwash coin dispenser!!!
I always like getting one of these in my change. Always looking….
The buffalo nickel is one of my favorite coins.
“You can do some crazy things with Krazy Glue!” (but you can’t fix that)
Very Good, another thing to look for !
Ok, another variety to watch out for.
Nicknames are fun like Buffalo Nickel (really a bison) and Mercury Dime (really winged Liberty)
Got 3-ring binders full of error & variety pieces, but not this one! Been on my bucket list since 2005… One day I hope to find one!
Excellent article.
I still run across the bison when roll hunting and always flip it over to check for this variety. Haven’t found one yet but keep hoping I will!
Very interesting. Good luck on the coin giveaway everybody!
I keep looking for one of these nickels. Haven’t found one yet.
I’ve been looking out for this nickel. Haven’t found one yet.
Interesting story! I’ll have to check my collection to see if I have one.
I keep all of the 2004 – ’05 nickels I find, but I haven’t found a Speared Buffalo yet.
Wonder if I tossed any of these back into pocket change thinking it was just a scratch.
Hey howdy hey, what a great giveaway! Good luck to everyone, and great luck to me, hee hee!
I guess I need to pay more attention to numismatics, first I’m hearing about it.
First time I’ve heard of this. Interesting.
After reading your articles inn the past years, I check all my coins. This is another reason to keep checking.
Great read. I have a few on these.
Thanks for the info.
I didn’t know about this error. Thanks for sharing.
Nice! I’ve looked for this ever since it was discovered. Ya know I guess I’ll just have buy one.
Well, it seems that you have convinced me to search all the 2004 & 2005 nickels I have been setting aside all these years.
I’m a “I’ll check them later” kinda guy.
Thanks for the chance.
Alway something new to learn
How did I miss this one???
probably my favorite error coin. although ironic.
It’s always fun to see these error coins. I keep searching through my change but never found any error coin. Ah well, searching keeps me off the streets!
I never cease to be amazed at the way an error or breakage can dramatically increase a coin’s value. Perhaps we should people in the same light.
Interesting article. I’ll have to check my bison nickels!
I would love to see restrikes of classic old US coins with a current date, such as the flying eagle cent or the half penny. It could be sold by set or subscription.
Good article
I was unaware of this error/variety. I do have a number on 2005-D nickels, need to look through them again now and see if I get lucky!
Beautiful coin!!!
Very interesting. I wasn’t aware of this error. Thanks for all that you people do in educating coin dealers stackers and collector’s alike
Thanks for Sharing its always interesting and fum for me to learn about coins.
Never heard of this one. Will be on the lookout.
How rare are they? I purchased $500 of unopened bank rolls when they first came out. Should I open them and check? Would it be worth it?
Grateful for articles like this. Now i need a sharper eye on things.
Poor panchet quality seems odd for the US mint–and poor quality control over dies also.
What a cool coin and really late now to look for them.
Gotta love a good error article
Good information, thank you.
Ty
A coworker of mine who’s new to collecting found one of these by chance.
I will have to start looking for this variety.
Cool
Through years if going through nickels, wished I found one
Very interesting! Another coin I need to keep an eye out for!
I’ll start looking for one.
I love collecting buffalos on all coins, including the ones on the state quarters.