How Much is a 1920 S Buffalo Nickel Worth Today
The 1920 S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these classic American coins in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery that connects you directly to the Roaring Twenties.
Determining the Value of Your 1920 S Buffalo Nickel
The 1920 S Buffalo Nickel is a key date for many collectors because it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which produced significantly fewer coins than the Philadelphia Mint that year. If you have found one of these coins, your first step should be to use a free coin identifier app to confirm the mint mark and check the overall surface quality.
Unlike modern coins, these early nickels were made with a design where the date was raised, making them prone to wearing away quickly. A 1920 S with a clear, readable date is already a valuable find for everyday Americans. Most hobbyists find that using an app like CoinKnow helps them distinguish between a common nickel and a rare “S” mint treasure within seconds.
The San Francisco coins from this era are known for having “weak strikes,” meaning the details might look a bit fuzzy even if the coin has never been used. However, because scarcity drives the market, even a blurry 1920 S nickel carries a premium. Professional collectors often look for the 1920-S Buffalo Nickel auction prices for uncirculated specimens, which can sometimes climb into the thousands of dollars.
How to Identify the S Mint Mark and Condition
To find out if your nickel was made in San Francisco, you need to flip the coin over to the “tails” side, which features the iconic American Bison (often called a buffalo). Look at the area directly underneath the words “Five Cents” and the mound of dirt the buffalo is standing on. If you see a small letter “S,” you have the more valuable San Francisco minting. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia.
The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the most important factor in its final price. Many people who find old coins are disappointed to learn that a heavily scratched or “slick” coin is worth only the scrap metal value. However, the 1920 S is different.
Because so few were saved in good condition, even a “Very Good” (VG) grade coin can fetch a decent price. You can quickly compare your coin’s features against a detailed 1920 Buffalo Nickel price chart to see where your specific coin falls on the scale from “Good” to “Uncirculated.”
1920 S Buffalo Nickel Price Guide Table
The following table provides an estimate of what you can expect to receive for a 1920 S Buffalo Nickel based on its condition. These prices are averages based on recent dealer sales and auction results.
| Condition (Grade) | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 – $22 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $35 – $50 |
| Fine (F-12) | $75 – $110 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $350 – $475 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $1,200 – $1,650 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $15,000+ |
Why the 1920 S Buffalo Nickel is Special
During the 1920s, the United States was undergoing massive economic growth, and coins were circulating faster than ever. The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, was intended to celebrate the American West. It features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and a bison named “Black Diamond” on the reverse.
The 1920 S is particularly interesting to historians and numismatists because the San Francisco Mint struggled with the pressure of the dies. This resulted in many coins having a “mushy” appearance. If you find a 1920 S that has incredibly sharp horn details on the buffalo and distinct braids on the Native American’s hair, you may have a specimen worth significantly more than the average.
For the everyday American, managing an old coin collection can feel overwhelming. This is where tools like the CoinKnow app become invaluable. Instead of spending hours squinting at a magnifying glass, you can use modern technology to get a ballpark estimate of your treasure’s worth. Every 1920 S nickel tells a story of an era of jazz, prohibition, and progress.
Finding and Selling Your Vintage Coins
If you think your 1920 S Buffalo Nickel is in a high grade—meaning it still looks shiny and has no visible wear—it is worth having it professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade can increase the selling price by hundreds of dollars because it guarantees the coin’s authenticity and state of preservation.
When you are ready to sell, avoid going to a generic pawn shop. Most pawn shops will only offer you a small fraction of the coin’s actual value. Instead, look for reputable local coin shops or specialized auction sites. Using CoinKnow to track the current market trends can help you negotiate a better price and ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
Always remember to handle your nickels by the edges. The natural oils on your fingers can damage the metal over time, especially on older coins like the 1920 S. Keep your find in a PVC-free plastic flip or a simple paper envelope to preserve its current state and its value for years to come.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1920 S Buffalo Nickel?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin, specifically under the words “FIVE CENTS” and the ground the buffalo is standing on.
Q: Should I clean my 1920 S Buffalo Nickel to make it worth more?
A: No, never clean your coins. Cleaning a vintage coin with chemicals or abrasives will drastically reduce its value and can make it worthless to serious collectors.
Q: What if the date on my Buffalo Nickel is too worn to read?
A: If the date is completely gone, the coin is generally worth only about 25 to 50 cents. However, special “nic-a-date” chemicals can reveal hidden dates, though this is considered a “damaged” coin by collectors.
