Indian Head Nickel Value Guide

The 1920 Indian Head Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel, is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history designed by James Earle Fraser. This specific year represents a high-production era of the series, featuring a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs that remains one of the most iconic images in US coinage.

What affects the value of Indian Head Nickel?

• The visibility of the date is critical, as this design was prone to wearing smooth in circulation.
• The presence of a 'D' or 'S' mint mark can significantly increase the value compared to the common Philadelphia strike.
• Overall surface preservation, specifically the level of detail remaining in the Native American's hair braid and the bison's tail.
• The presence of original mint luster, which is rare for coins typically found in the $3-$5 range.

How to Identify Indian Head Nickel?

• Check the obverse for the 1920 date located on the lower left, just below the Native American's neck.
• Verify the 'F' designer mark for James Earle Fraser located under the date.
• Examine the reverse for the American bison standing on a mound, which was the standard design for 1920.
• Look for a mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) below the 'FIVE CENTS' denomination on the reverse; no mark indicates Philadelphia.

History of Indian Head Nickel

The Indian Head Nickel, commonly called the Buffalo Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin was part of a movement to beautify US coinage, replacing the more traditional Liberty Head design. Fraser stated the Native American profile was a composite of three chiefs who had posed for him. Although aesthetically popular, the design proved troublesome for the US Mint; the date and denomination were often the first elements to wear off in circulation, leading to the coin's eventual replacement by the Jefferson Nickel.