1920-S Wheat Penny Value: How Much Is Your Coin Worth?

The 1920-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in worn condition to over $15,000 in pristine mint state. If you have found a Lincoln Cent with a small “S” mint mark dated 1920, you are holding a piece of Roaring Twenties history that collectors highly prize.

What Makes the 1920-S Wheat Penny Special?

The 1920-S Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted at the legendary San Francisco Mint during a time of immense economic transition in the United States. While the Philadelphia mint produced massive quantities of pennies that year, the San Francisco branch struck a much lower number.

Finding one of these in your change today is a rare occurrence. If you suspect you have one, using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and distinguish it from the more common Philadelphia version.

Collectors often look for the “S” mark located right under the date. In 1920, the San Francisco Mint struck 46,220,000 pennies. While that sounds like a large number, surviving specimens in high grades are incredibly difficult to find because most of these coins circulated heavily through the 1920s and 30s.

Evaluating the 1920-S Lincoln Cent Value by Grade

The most important factor in determining your coin’s price is its “grade,” or its level of wear and tear. A coin that has been in pockets for decades will be worth just a few dollars, whereas a coin that spent 100 years in a safe can be worth a fortune.

When using the CoinKnow app to scan your collection, you’ll notice that color also plays a massive role. Copper coins are categorized as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). A “Red” coin is one that still has its original mint luster and has not oxidized.

For those looking for specific market data, checking the 1920-S Wheat Penny MS-RD price trends can reveal how much a top-tier specimen sells for at major auctions.

History and Significance of the 1920 San Francisco Minting

In 1920, the United States was moving toward a modern era. The San Francisco Mint (often called “The Granite Lady”) was responsible for supplying coins to the surging population of the West Coast.

Because transportation was slower back then, coins minted in San Francisco often stayed in the West, making them harder for East Coast collectors to find. This regional scarcity contributes to the premium prices we see today.

The CoinKnow database reflects this historical scarcity by showing fewer high-grade 1920-S survivors compared to the New York or Philadelphia counterparts. For more in-depth research, collectors often review the detailed 1920 penny value guide to see how the “S” and “D” mint marks compare.

Identifying Mint Marks and Key Features

To ensure you have a genuine 1920-S Wheat Penny, you need to look at the “obverse” (heads) side of the coin. Use a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera to look directly below the date “1920.”

If you see an “S,” your coin was minted in San Francisco. If the space is blank, it was made in Philadelphia (worth less). If there is a “D,” it was made in Denver.

Wait! Before you clean your coin to see the mark better—don’t! Cleaning a vintage coin actually destroys its value in the eyes of professional collectors. Use CoinKnow to identify the features without touching the metal surface with chemicals or cloths.

Are There 1920-S Wheat Penny Errors?

Error hunters love the 1920-S because several interesting varieties exist. During the 1920s, minting technology wasn’t as precise as it is today, leading to unique mistakes that can double or triple the coin’s value.

Common errors for this year include “Lamination Errors,” where the copper surface of the coin peels or cracks, and “Repunched Mint Marks,” where the “S” looks like it was struck twice.

If your 1920-S penny looks “weird” or has extra lines and lumps, it might be an error worth hundreds of dollars. Many casual finders overlook these, but experienced numismatists search specifically for these flaws.

How to Store and Protect Your 1920-S Penny

If you discover that your 1920-S Wheat Penny is in high grade (Very Fine or better), you must protect it from the air. Humidity is the enemy of copper. Copper coins can develop “environmental damage” or “verdigris” (green spots), which significantly lowers their worth.

The best way to store them is in acid-free plastic “flips” or cardboard 2×2 holders. These are inexpensive and prevent your finger oils from touching the coin.

Remember, a coin in “About Uncirculated” condition might be worth $50 today, but if it stays protected for another 20 years, it could be a cornerstone of a valuable collection.

FAQ

Q: Why is the 1920-S Wheat Penny worth more than the Philadelphia version?

A: The San Francisco Mint had a lower mintage (46 million) compared to Philadelphia (310 million). Additionally, San Francisco coins from this era were notoriously struck with “weak dies,” making sharp, high-grade examples extremely rare and desirable for collectors.

Q: How do I know if my 1920-S penny is “Red” or “Brown”?

A: “Red” coins retain at least 95% of their original bright copper color from the day they were minted. “Red-Brown” coins have between 5% and 95% of that color, while “Brown” coins have completely oxidized. Red coins always command the highest prices.

Q: Is a 1920-S penny rare enough to get professionally graded?

A: Professional grading (by PCGS or NGC) costs money. It is usually only worth it if the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition or shows a significant error. If your coin looks brand new, grading could turn a $100 coin into a $1,000 certified asset.

Q: Can I find a 1920-S Wheat Penny in pocket change?

A: While it is extremely rare, it is possible! Many old collections are spent by people who don’t realize their value. However, most 1920-S pennies found today come from estate sales, coin shops, or metal detecting.