Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to over $1,800 in high-grade mint state. While common-date nickels might only be worth face value, this Denver-minted treasure from the Roaring Twenties holds significant value for collectors and casual finders alike.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 – $20 |
| Fine (F-12) | $45 – $60 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150 – $220 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $650 – $4,500+ |
History and Significance of the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel carries the legacy of James Earle Fraser’s iconic design, featuring a realistic Native American profile on the obverse and a powerful American bison on the reverse. If you’ve stumbled upon one of these in an old jar or a family collection, you’ve found a piece of history minted during a pivotal year in American economics. To quickly see if your find is a winner, many hobbyists use a top coin identifier app to get instant feedback on their inventory.
In 1920, the Denver Mint produced 9,414,000 of these nickels. While nearly 10 million might sound like a lot, this is actually a relatively low mintage compared to the Philadelphia production that same year. Because these coins were workhorses of the American economy, most saw decades of heavy circulation. Finding one today with a clear date and distinct “D” mint mark is a treat for any collector.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a genuine 1920-D or a common Philadelphia strike, using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish the subtle mint mark placement. The “D” is located on the reverse side, just below the “FIVE CENTS” inscription. Identifying this tiny letter is the difference between a five-dollar coin and a fifty-dollar coin.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How Grading Affects the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel Value
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A 1920-D Buffalo Nickel that has been passed from hand to hand for thirty years will be flat, smooth, and perhaps missing its date entirely. On the other hand, a coin that was tucked away in a bank vault or a jeweler’s case will show the intricate fur of the bison and the details of the feathers in the Indian’s hair.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Professional graders use a 70-point scale to determine a coin’s state. For the 1920-D particularly, “weak strikes” are common. This means that even if a coin wasn’t worn down by usage, it might have left the mint looking a bit blurry because the machinery wasn’t set perfectly. Because of this, 1920-D Buffalo Nickel mint state prices can vary wildly based on how “sharp” the strike appears.
To help you estimate where your coin falls, refer to this detailed grading chart. Remember that coins with “Full Horns” on the buffalo’s head command a significant premium over those where the horn is worn away.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| About Good (AG-3) | Date is readable but very worn; rims are flat. | $8 – $12 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Bison’s horn is about half visible; hair detail clear. | $80 – $110 |
| Choice Unc (MS-63) | Original mint luster; very few marks. | $1,200 – $1,850 |
Spotting the Denver Mint Mark
The primary reason enthusiasts look for the 1920-D over the 1920-P is the scarcity provided by the Denver Mint. In the Buffalo Nickel series, “S” (San Francisco) and “D” (Denver) coins are almost always more valuable than those with no mint mark (Philadelphia).
To find the mark, flip your nickel to the “tails” side. Look at the area directly beneath the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small, raised “D,” you have hit the jackpot compared to the standard version. If the area is smooth, it’s a Philadelphia minting. If you’re struggling to see it due to grime or wear, the CoinKnow app’s high-resolution zoom feature can help clarify the area.
Understanding the 1920 Buffalo Nickel price trends is essential before selling. Often, collectors will pay more for a “D” mint mark even if the coin is in slightly worse condition than a Philadelphia counterpart because they are trying to complete a “Denver Set.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Common Errors and Varieties of 1920 Nickels
While the 1920-D is not as famous for errors as the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo, it does have its own quirks. Some collectors look for “die cracks” or “lamination errors” where the metal appears to be peeling. These manufacturing flaws can actually add value to the coin if they are dramatic enough.
Another thing to look for is the “re-punched mint mark” (RPM). This happens when the person at the mint struck the “D” onto the coin die twice, slightly out of alignment. If you see what looks like a shadow or a double image of the letter D, you might have a variety that collectors will pay a premium for.
Using the CoinKnow database can help you compare your coin against known error photos. Because error coins are rare, their value is often determined by individual auctions rather than a standard price guide. If you think you have a “double die” or a significant error, it might be worth sending in for professional certification.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Error Type | How to Identify | Value Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Lamination Error | Peeling or cracked surface metal. | +$10 – $50 |
| Die Break (Cud) | A raised blob of metal on the rim. | +$20 – $100 |
The Market for the 1920-D Nickel in 2024
The market for vintage American coinage remains strong. As of 2024, the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is considered a “semi-key date” in the series. This means it isn’t the absolute rarest, but it is much harder to find than the average nickel from the 1930s.
When selling your coin, keep in mind that “raw” (unauthenticated) coins usually sell for less than “slabbed” (certified) coins. If your 1920-D looks like it has never been touched and still shines, it is worth spending the $30-$50 to have it graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS-65 1920-D can sell for upwards of $10,000 at a high-end auction!
For most everyday finders, your best bet is to check local coin shops or reputable online marketplaces. Always research the current “sold” listings rather than “asking” prices to get a realistic idea of what people are actually paying.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1920 Buffalo Nickel?
A: The mint mark is found on the reverse (the side with the buffalo). It is located at the very bottom, below the words “FIVE CENTS” and above the rim. A “D” stands for Denver, and an “S” stands for San Francisco.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Why is my 1920-D Buffalo Nickel value so low?
A: The most common reason is wear. If the date is barely visible or the buffalo’s horn is completely flat, the coin is graded as “Good” or “About Good,” which limits its value. Cleaning a coin also drastically reduces its value—never scrub your coins!
Q: Are there any 1920 nickels worth thousands of dollars?
A: Yes! Only 1920-D or 1920-S nickels in “Mint State” (MS) condition—meaning they look brand new as if they just left the factory—are worth thousands. Most coins found in circulation today will be in the $15 to $100 range.
Q: Is the 1920 Buffalo Nickel made of silver?
A: No. Buffalo Nickels are made of a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). They do not contain any silver, so their value comes purely from their rarity and collector appeal.