This special coin has many distinct features that make it popular with collectors. The reverse features the iconic buffalo design, for which the coin is called. Atop the buffalo is “United States of America,” with the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” to its right. Underneath the Five Cent denomination on the bottom is a small S, the mint mark for San Francisco. On the obverse, the words “Liberty” run alongside the Indian head, with the date on the lower left of the coin. Underneath the date is the letter “F,” the initial of the sculptor James Earle Fraser.
The Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties was a decade of economic growth and widespread prosperity, driven by recovery from wartime devastation and deferred spending, a boom in construction, and the rapid growth of consumer goods. This meant that coins like the nickel were key for the average American’s spending power. Post World War I, many western countries like the United States felt the surge of economic growth, leading to innovations in the automobile, medical, fashion, radio and movie industries.
1920 Buffalo Nickel Values
Finding a 1920 Buffalo nickel is important to many collectors, and an exciting addition to any collection. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. Stay on the lookout for clear edges on the design, and a clear engraving of the date, mint mark, and cent-value. Highly circulated coins go for, on average, around a dollar and fifty cents - making this an affordable coin to kick off a collection. A mint condition coin is valued at almost seventy dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1920
Mint Mark: No mint mark
Total mintage: 63,093,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters