1920 Buffalo Nickel Value No Mint Mark What Is It Worth Today
The 1920 Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $1 to $2 in heavily worn condition, climbing to $30–$80 in fine grades, and potentially reaching $200 or more in uncirculated mint state. If you’ve found one of these classic coins, you’re in luck — it’s a piece of genuine American history.
Before we dive in, if you want a quick way to identify old coins you find around the house, a free coin identifier app can be a great starting point. Tools like CoinKnow let you scan your coin with your phone camera and get an instant identification — no experience needed.
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What Is the 1920 Buffalo Nickel No Mint Mark
The 1920 Buffalo Nickel no mint mark was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. In 1920, the Philadelphia facility produced over 63 million of these five-cent pieces, making it one of the more common dates in the Buffalo Nickel series. But “common” doesn’t mean worthless. Even well-worn examples carry collector interest, and coins in better condition can bring surprisingly strong prices.
The Buffalo Nickel — also officially known as the Indian Head Nickel — was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. It features a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. Fraser reportedly modeled the buffalo after “Black Diamond,” a bison living at the Central Park Zoo in New York. The series ran from 1913 to 1938, and coins from this era have become a staple of American coin collecting.
No mint mark on the coin means it was made in Philadelphia. You’ll find the mint mark (or absence of it) on the reverse side of the coin, just below the words “FIVE CENTS.”
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1920 Buffalo Nickel Value by Grade
The value of your 1920 Buffalo Nickel depends heavily on its condition, or “grade.” Here’s a breakdown of what the coin typically sells for across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, design visible | $1 – $2 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail | $3 – $6 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, clear lettering | $10 – $20 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Light wear, good detail | $25 – $50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear on high points | $60 – $90 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $150 – $250 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated | $400 – $600+ |
For the most up-to-date market data, you can check out recent auction prices and mint state values for the 1920 Buffalo Nickel to see how this coin has been performing at recent sales.
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How to Tell What Condition Your Coin Is In
Grading coins takes practice, but here are a few things to look for on your 1920 Buffalo Nickel:
Check the bison’s horn and spine. These are the highest points on the reverse and wear down first. If the horn is completely flat and merged with the head, the coin is in Good condition. If you can still see a clear horn tip, you’re likely looking at Fine or better.
Look at the Native American’s cheekbone and hair braid. On the obverse, wear shows up early on the cheekbone and along the braid lines. Clear, separated hair strands indicate a higher grade.
Don’t clean the coin. This is important. Cleaning a coin — even gently — can dramatically reduce its value. Collectors strongly prefer original surfaces, even if they look darker or dull. A cleaned coin that might be worth $50 could drop in value to $10 or less.
If you’re unsure, CoinKnow is a handy app that walks you through the grading process visually. You can compare your coin to graded examples and get a better sense of where yours falls.
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Key Varieties and Special Features to Look For
The 1920 Buffalo Nickel no mint mark doesn’t have any major recognized die varieties that dramatically affect value, unlike some other years in the series. However, there are a few things worth knowing:
Strike quality matters. Philadelphia coins from 1920 can sometimes show weak strikes, particularly on the horn of the bison. A weakly struck coin can look worn even if it never circulated. Coin grading services like PCGS and NGC account for this when grading, so a weak strike isn’t always penalized in grade, but it can affect eye appeal.
Luster in mint state examples. Uncirculated 1920 Buffalo Nickels can show either frosty or satiny luster depending on the die state. Coins with full, original luster and sharp strikes command the strongest prices.
Errors and oddities. While no major doubled die or repunched varieties are listed for the 1920 Philadelphia issue, always examine your coin under a loupe for anything unusual. Rare errors can multiply a coin’s value significantly.
For a full breakdown of what the 1920 Buffalo Nickel is worth across all grades and mint marks, dedicated coin value resources can save you a lot of research time.
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Should You Sell, Keep, or Grade Your 1920 Buffalo Nickel
If your coin shows heavy wear, it’s a decent conversation piece but probably not worth submitting to a professional grading service — the cost of grading ($30–$50 per coin) would likely exceed the coin’s market value.
However, if your 1920 Buffalo Nickel looks relatively sharp, with visible horn detail, clear facial features, and original surfaces, it may be worth having it graded by PCGS or NGC. Certified coins in MS-63 and above regularly sell for multiples of raw coin prices at auction.
Not sure where your coin stands? Download CoinKnow and use the app’s visual grading guide to get a quick read on your coin’s condition before spending money on professional grading. It’s a smart first step before making any selling decisions.
For coins in circulated grades, local coin dealers, online platforms like eBay, and coin shows are all reasonable options. Always get a second opinion before selling — values can vary more than you’d expect.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1920 Buffalo Nickel is from Philadelphia?
A: If there is no mint mark on the reverse side of the coin (just below “FIVE CENTS”), it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Denver coins show a “D” and San Francisco coins show an “S” in that location.
Q: Is a 1920 Buffalo Nickel with a worn date still worth anything?
A: Yes, even coins with partially visible or fully worn dates have some value to collectors, typically in the $1–$3 range. However, coins with completely missing dates are often sold as “dateless” Buffalo Nickels and are worth slightly less than dated examples.
Q: What makes a 1920 Buffalo Nickel valuable?
A: The biggest factors are condition (grade), strike quality, and originality of surfaces. Uncirculated examples with sharp details and original luster are the most desirable. Error coins or coins with unusually strong strikes can also command premium prices.
