1920 Buffalo Nickel Value Guide

The 1920 Buffalo Nickel is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, representing sculptor James Earle Fraser's vision of uniquely American imagery. It is highly collectible for its composite portrait of three Native American chiefs and its departure from traditional European-style coinage.

What affects the value of 1920 Buffalo Nickel?

• The clarity of the date is the primary value driver, as Buffalo Nickels are notorious for the date wearing away quickly.
• Overall strike quality and the presence of fine details in the bison's fur or the chief's braid significantly impact the $1.50 to $2.00 price range.
• The presence of a mint mark (D or S) can increase rarity and value compared to the common Philadelphia mint strike.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches or environmental corrosion on the copper-nickel alloy.

How to Identify 1920 Buffalo Nickel?

• Verify the 1920 date located on the lower left of the obverse, just below the Native American portrait.
• Check for the 'F' designer mark below the date, signifying James Earle Fraser.
• Examine the reverse for the American bison standing on a flat ground line, which was the standard 'Type 2' design used in 1920.
• Look for mint marks (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) located below the 'FIVE CENTS' inscription on the reverse.

History of 1920 Buffalo Nickel

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel was minted between 1913 and 1938. The obverse is a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree. Fraser designed the coin as part of a movement to improve the aesthetic quality of American coinage, moving away from classical European styles toward uniquely American imagery.