Minted in San Francisco in lower numbers than its other 1920’s counterparts, the 1920-S Buffalo nickel is a beautiful, collectible coin for anyone looking to start, build, or finish their Buffalo nickel series. It’s considered an early-series coin of the series - which makes finding a high quality Buffalo nickel incredibly special. With a hundred years of history behind every 1920-S Buffalo nickel, it’s a great find for any collector.
Liberty on the Buffalo Nickel
The phrase “Liberty” has been on American five-cent coins since 1883, on the Buffalo nickel’s predecessor, the Liberty nickel. The Liberty nickel featured Lady Liberty with the word “Liberty” written across her crown, and the inclusion of Liberty on the Buffalo nickel may be a tribute to past minting history. With the other distinctly American elements on this coin, it comes together to truly capture the American spirit.
1920-S Buffalo Nickel Values
The 1920-S Buffalo nickel was minted in smaller numbers at the historic San Francisco mint. Because of this, and the rarity of a Buffalo nickel in great condition, this is a highly collectible coin with an average value of four dollars and fifty cents. Condition is key to any older coin’s value - look for clear, distinct engravings and signs of wear to determine a coin’s grade. A mint condition, uncirculated coin is valued at over six-hundred dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1920
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 9,689,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters