1920-S Buffalo Nickel Value Guide What It’s Worth and Why Collectors Care
The 1920-S Buffalo Nickel is worth anywhere from $10 in heavily worn condition to over $3,000 or more in higher mint state grades — making it one of the more exciting finds from the early twentieth century. If you’ve just pulled one of these out of an old jar or inherited it from a relative, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Makes the 1920-S Buffalo Nickel Special
The 1920-S Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint, identified by the small “S” mintmark located just below the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse side of the coin. This was one of three mints producing Buffalo Nickels that year — the others being Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (“D”). The San Francisco issue had a relatively modest mintage of around 9.7 million coins, which is lower than the Philadelphia issue of the same year. That lower production number, combined with the fact that many of these coins were heavily circulated, means finding one in decent condition is actually harder than you might expect.
If you’ve never identified a coin like this before, a free coin identifier app can help you confirm exactly what you’re looking at before you dive into valuation research. Once you know you’ve got the real deal, it’s time to look at the grade.
How Grade Affects 1920-S Buffalo Nickel Value
Grade is everything when it comes to coin value, and the 1920-S is no exception. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (barely recognizable) to 70 (perfect, never circulated). Most 1920-S Buffalo Nickels you’ll find in the real world fall somewhere in the Good to Fine range, meaning the design is visible but worn flat in key areas like the bison’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbone.
Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1920-S Buffalo Nickel is worth by grade:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $10 – $15 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $18 – $30 |
| Fine (F-12) | $35 – $55 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $70 – $110 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150 – $250 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $300 – $500 |
| MS-63 | $700 – $1,200 |
| MS-65 and above | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
For a deeper look at certified auction results and current market prices, you can browse 1920-S Buffalo Nickel mint state price data organized by grade to see what real coins have sold for recently.
What to Look for When Examining Your Coin
When you’re checking out your 1920-S Buffalo Nickel, there are a few key things to focus on. First, look at the date — it’s one of the high points on the obverse and tends to wear away early. A full, readable date is essential for the coin to have collector value. Next, check the Native American’s braid and feathers on the head. In well-preserved coins, you’ll see fine lines in the hair and distinct feather details. On the reverse, the bison’s shoulder and hip are the first areas to flatten. A coin with strong horn detail and a clear “S” mintmark below “FIVE CENTS” will always command a premium.
Using CoinKnow to scan your coin is a great starting point — the app can help you estimate condition at a glance and even suggest a ballpark value before you take it to a dealer.
Where to Sell and What to Expect
Once you know what your 1920-S Buffalo Nickel might be worth, you’ll want to think about where to sell it. Options include local coin shops, online platforms like eBay, and professional auction houses for higher-grade pieces. For circulated coins in Good to Fine condition, a coin dealer will likely offer 50–70% of retail value, which is pretty standard. For coins in AU or Mint State, it’s worth getting a professional grade from PCGS or NGC first — certified coins typically sell for significantly more because buyers can trust the grade.
For a well-rounded look at the full 1920 Buffalo Nickel value breakdown across all mint marks and grades, that resource covers Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues side by side so you can compare your coin’s worth easily.
CoinKnow is also handy here — you can document your coin with photos, track what similar pieces are selling for, and get a clearer picture of the market before you commit to a sale.
Tips for New Collectors and First-Time Finders
If this is your first time dealing with old coins, don’t clean it. That’s probably the most important rule in coin collecting. Cleaning removes the natural patina that forms over decades and can drop a coin’s value dramatically — sometimes by 50% or more. Store it in a soft flip or coin holder, handle it by the edges only, and avoid exposing it to moisture or direct sunlight.
Whether you plan to sell, hold, or start collecting more Buffalo Nickels, CoinKnow makes it easy to keep track of your collection, look up values, and stay updated on what collectors are paying right now.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my coin is the 1920-S and not the Philadelphia or Denver version?
A: Look at the reverse side of the coin, below the words “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a small “S,” it’s the San Francisco issue. A “D” means Denver, and no mintmark at all means it was made in Philadelphia.
Q: Is a 1920-S Buffalo Nickel with a worn-off date worth anything?
A: Unfortunately, a Buffalo Nickel with no visible date has very limited collector value — usually $1 or less. However, there are chemical restoration products designed to bring back faint dates, though this can be a risky process and is generally frowned upon by serious collectors.
Q: Should I get my 1920-S Buffalo Nickel professionally graded?
A: If your coin appears to be in Very Fine condition or better, professional grading from PCGS or NGC is usually worth the cost. The fee typically runs $30–$50 per coin, but a certified grade can significantly increase both buyer confidence and the price you can realistically expect to get.
