Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1920-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $0.50 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state condition. While millions were minted, finding one in “uncirculated” condition is quite rare for everyday collectors, making it a prized piece for those looking to cash in on vintage copper.
| Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150.00 – $450.00+ |
History and Significance of the 1920-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
If you’ve recently found an old copper penny in a jar of change or an old family album, the “S” mint mark under the date is the first thing you should look for. In 1920, the San Francisco Mint produced a total of 46,220,000 wheat pennies. While this might sound like a huge number, it is significantly lower than the output from the Philadelphia Mint that same year.
Because many of these coins entered heavy circulation during the Roaring Twenties, most surviving examples are heavily worn down. If you aren’t sure if your coin is a regular strike or something special, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on that “S” mark to confirm its origin.
Interestingly, 1920 was a year of economic transition, and these pennies were the workhorses of the American economy. Finding one today is like holding a piece of post-WWI history in the palm of your hand. For those who want to be 100% sure about what they have, CoinKnow provides a quick way to scan and catalog your finds.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How Grading Affects the 1920-S Wheat Penny Value
The condition, or “grade,” of your 1920-S penny is the biggest factor in determining its price. Collectors use a 70-point scale to determine quality. A coin that is smooth and barely shows Lincoln’s features is considered “Good,” while a coin that looks like it just came from the mint is “Mint State.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For the 1920-S specifically, strike quality is often an issue. Many coins from the San Francisco Mint during this era were struck with worn-out dies, resulting in “mushy” details even on higher-grade coins. This makes well-struck, sharp examples even more valuable to serious numismatists.
Because grading can be subjective for beginners, comparing your coin to a comprehensive 1920 penny value guide is a great way to see where your coin falls on the spectrum. If you find a coin with original red luster, you could be looking at a significant payday.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Very Good (VG-8) | Lincoln’s cheek is worn flat, but lines in the hair are visible. | $1.50 |
| Choice Fine (VF-20) | Wheat ears on the back show some specific detail. | $12.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Only slight wear on the highest points like the cheekbone. | $65.00 |
The Importance of Color: Red vs. Brown 1920-S Pennies
In the world of copper coins, color is everything. Copper reacts with oxygen over time, turning from a bright, shiny orange-red to a chocolate brown. Professional graders categorize these as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN).
A 1920-S in “Brown” condition is common and affordable. However, a “Full Red” example is incredibly rare because copper naturally darkens over 100 years. If you happen to find one that still glows like a new penny, its value could skyrocket.
You can look up the latest 1920-S Red Wheat Penny auction data to see just how much of a premium collectors pay for that original mint color. For casual hunters, CoinKnow can help you identify if the color on your coin is original or if it has been “cleaned”—which actually lowers the value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
While the 1920-S doesn’t have a famous “doubled die” like the 1955 penny, there are several minor errors and varieties that can pique a collector’s interest. Look for “Lamination Flaws,” which look like the surface of the penny is peeling or cracking. These occurred because the metal alloy wasn’t mixed perfectly at the mint.
Another common discovery is the “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM). This happens when the person striking the “S” onto the die hit it twice, creating a slight shadow or doubling visible only under a magnifying glass.
Using an app like CoinKnow allows you to take high-resolution photos and zoom in to find these tiny details. Even a small error can turn a $1 coin into a $50 coin for the right variety hunter.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Error Type | Description | Added Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lamination Crack | Metal peeling on the surface | $5 – $20 |
| Off-Center Strike | Penny design is not centered on the coin | $50 – $200+ |
| Die Chips | Small bumps of extra metal | $2 – $10 |
Tips for Selling Your 1920-S Wheat Penny
If you’ve determined that your 1920-S is in high grade or contains an error, the next step is selling it. For coins worth less than $10, selling them individually on eBay might not be worth the shipping costs. In that case, it’s better to keep them in a collection or sell them as part of a “bulk lot” of wheat pennies.
For high-value coins, consider getting them “slabbed” or certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade provides a guarantee to the buyer and often results in a much higher final sale price.
Always avoid cleaning your coins! Many beginners think they are helping by scrubbing away the dirt, but this actually creates microscopic scratches that ruin the coin’s numismatic value. A dirty, original penny is always worth more than a shiny, scrubbed one.
| Where to Sell | Best For |
|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash and expert appraisal |
| eBay | Reaching the widest audience of collectors |
| Heritage Auctions | Rare, high-grade museum-quality coins |
FAQs About the 1920-S Wheat Penny
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1920-S Wheat Penny?
A: The mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse) of the coin, right below the year 1920. If you see an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is a 1920-S penny rare?
A: It is not “rare” in circulated condition, as over 46 million were made. However, it is considered scarce in high-grade uncirculated condition (MS-65 or higher), where it can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Q: Should I clean my 1920-S Wheat Penny to make it look better?
A: No! You should never clean old coins. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural toning a coin develops over time. Cleaning a coin will significantly reduce its market value.
Q: How much is a heavily worn 1920-S penny worth?
A: A 1920-S penny that is very worn but still has a visible date and mint mark is typically worth between $0.50 and $1.00. While not a fortune, it is still worth 50 to 100 times its face value!