Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1920-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $35,000 in rare mint state. This San Francisco minted classic is a prize for any American who stumbles upon one in an old jar or inheritance.
| Condition | Average Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $15 – $25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $65 – $90 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $350 – $500 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $1,800+ |
| Gem Mint (MS-65+) | $25,000 – $45,000+ |
Understanding the Rarity of the 1920-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-S Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating piece of American history that often sits quietly in old collections. While millions were minted, very few survived in high grades because people used them heavily for daily purchases during the 20th century. If you have recently discovered one, you can use a top coin identifier app to get a preliminary look at your find.
Most of the 9.6 million nickels produced in San Francisco that year were released into general circulation. Because the Buffalo Nickel design—also known as the Indian Head Nickel—had a high-relief profile, the date was often the first thing to wear away. Finding a 1920-S with a clear, readable date is the first step in confirming you have a valuable asset.
If you are unsure of whether the coin is genuine or what its current market standing is, the CoinKnow app provides an easy way to scan and identify your treasures. Collectors prize the “S” mint mark because San Francisco historically had lower production numbers compared to Philadelphia, making these coins much harder to find in your pocket change today.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How the San Francisco Mint Mark Affects 1920 Nickel Value
The location of where your nickel was made plays a massive role in its ultimate price tag. To find the mint mark on a 1920 Buffalo Nickel, look at the “tails” side (reverse) underneath the words “Five Cents” and the Buffalo’s mound. If you see a small “S,” it was minted in San Francisco. If the space is blank, it was made in Philadelphia.
The difference in value is staggering. While a standard 1920 Philadelphia nickel in average condition might only be worth a few dollars, the 1920-S is considered a “semi-key date.” It is consistently more expensive because of its lower survival rate in high grades. Many professionals refer to the 1920 Buffalo Nickel value guide to see how the “S” mark premium scales with condition.
For everyday Americans, this means a dirty, worn nickel from San Francisco is still worth about 300 to 500 times its face value. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between various mint marks and ensure you aren’t overlooking a high-value San Francisco strike.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Mint Mark | Mintage Weight | Rarity Factor |
|---|---|---|
| No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) | 63,093,000 | Common |
| D (Denver) | 9,418,000 | Scarce |
| S (San Francisco) | 9,689,000 | Key Date / High Premium |
Identifying Condition and Grading for the 1920-S Nickel
When evaluating your 1920-S Buffalo Nickel, the most important factor is the “grade” or the amount of wear on the coin’s surface. Collectors look for specific details to determine value. On the obverse (front), they check the Indian’s hair braids and the sharpness of the date. On the reverse, they look for the horn on the buffalo.
If the buffalo’s horn is completely worn away, the coin is likely in “Good” or “About Good” condition. If half the horn is visible, it moves into the “Fine” category. A full, sharp horn usually indicates a coin in “Extremely Fine” or “Uncirculated” condition. Because these coins were made for spending, finding one with a full horn is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
To get an accurate estimate, many users check modern 1920-S Buffalo Nickel MS grade prices to see what professional collectors are currently paying at auction. A single jump in grade from MS-63 to MS-65 can represent a price increase of tens of thousands of dollars.
Major Errors and Varieties in the 1920-S Series
While the 1920-S is famous for its rarity in high grades, some collectors also look for mint errors. Common errors include “die cracks” or “lamination errors” where the metal of the coin appears to be peeling. While these don’t always add a huge amount of value, a significant error on an already rare 1920-S can make the coin unique.
Another issue specifically with 1920-S strikes is the “weak strike” phenomenon. Many San Francisco nickels from this era were struck with dies that were worn out or not pressurized correctly. This results in a coin that looks worn even if it was never used. Distinguishing between a “weak strike” and “actual wear” is something that requires a professional eye or a high-quality identification tool like CoinKnow.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you think your coin looks “blurry” or lacks detail despite having a shiny surface, it might be a weak strike. Paradoxically, a “sharp strike” 1920-S is much more valuable than a weak strike of the same grade because of its visual appeal and rarity.
| Error Type | Visual Description | Estimated Value Added |
|---|---|---|
| Lamination Error | Peeling or cracked metal surface | $20 – $100 |
| Off-Center Strike | Design is shifted to one side | $100 – $500+ |
| Die Crack | Raised lines across the design | $10 – $50 |
Why You Should Never Clean Your 1920-S Buffalo Nickel
One of the most common mistakes everyday Americans make when they find an old coin—especially a valuable 1920-S—is trying to clean it. If your nickel looks dark, dirty, or toned, leave it exactly as it is. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth creates micro-scratches that professional graders can see instantly.
A cleaned coin loses up to 90% of its collector value. A 1920-S that might have been worth $500 can drop to $50 the moment it is scrubbed. Collectors value “original skin,” which is the natural patina a coin develops over a century. If you want to know the value without touching the surface, the CoinKnow app can help you identify its characteristics through a simple photo.
Instead of cleaning, store your nickel in a PVC-free plastic holder or a cardboard coin flip. This prevents further oxidation and protects the delicate surfaces of the Indian Head and the Buffalo, preserving the coin’s worth for future generations or potential sale.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Where to Sell Your 1920-S Buffalo Nickel for Top Dollar
If you’ve confirmed you have a genuine 1920-S Buffalo Nickel, you have several options for selling. For lower-grade coins worth $20 to $100, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are excellent choices. These venues are perfect for “circulated” coins that average people collect to fill their folders.
However, if your coin is in exceptional condition (meaning you can see the Buffalo’s horn and the Indian’s braid clearly), you should consider having it “certified” by a service like PCGS or NGC. Certified coins sell for significantly higher prices at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers.
The market for high-end 1920-S nickels is very active. Wealthy collectors are always looking for “Condition Rarities,” which are common coins in uncommon condition. If your coin has a beautiful “rainbow” tone or a particularly sharp strike, it could be a centerpiece of a major auction, potentially fetching thousands of dollars.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1920 nickel is an “S” mint mark?
A: Turn the coin to the back (the side with the buffalo). Look at the very bottom, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small letter ‘S’, it was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1920 Buffalo Nickel rare?
A: The 1920 nickel from Philadelphia is common, but the 1920-S (San Francisco) and 1920-D (Denver) are much harder to find, especially with readable dates. Any 1920-S in high grade is considered very rare.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is the most expensive 1920-S Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
A: A 1920-S Buffalo Nickel graded MS-67 by PCGS sold for over $138,000 at auction. While most found in jars won’t reach this level, it shows how much professional collectors value this specific year and mint.
Q: Why is the date on my Buffalo Nickel so hard to read?
A: This is a common design flaw. The date was placed on a raised part of the Indian’s shoulder. Because it was high up, it rubbed against other coins and fingers more than the rest of the design, causing it to wear away quickly.
Q: Can I use an app to value my 1920-S Nickel?
A: Yes, apps like CoinKnow are excellent for identifying the coin and getting a ballpark estimate of its value based on recent market trends. However, for extremely high-value coins, a professional physical appraisal is always recommended.