The 1920 Buffalo Nickel with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $1 to $2 in heavily worn condition, up to $100 or more in well-preserved uncirculated grades — and in top mint state examples, it can fetch several hundred dollars.
If you found one of these old nickels tucked away in a drawer or inherited from a family member, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 1920 Buffalo Nickel value, what affects the price, and whether yours might be hiding some real worth.
What Is the 1920 Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also called the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, it features a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful coins in American history.
The 1920 no mint mark version was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark by design — if you don’t see a “D” or “S” beneath the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse, you’ve got a Philadelphia coin.
In 1920, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 63 million Buffalo Nickels. That’s a relatively high mintage, which means surviving examples are not especially rare — but condition still plays a huge role in determining value.
If you want a fast, easy way to identify coins in your collection, a coin identifier and value app can scan your coin and give you an instant estimate right from your phone.
How Much Is a 1920 Buffalo Nickel Worth?
The value of a 1920 Buffalo Nickel no mint mark depends almost entirely on its grade — that is, how well it has been preserved over the last 100+ years. Coins that have been heavily circulated show worn-down details, especially on the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s cheekbone. Those features are the first to wear.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1920 Philadelphia (no mint mark) Buffalo Nickel:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, major details visible | $1 – $2 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, design clear | $3 – $5 |
| Fine (F-12) | Light to moderate wear | $6 – $10 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Light wear on high points | $12 – $20 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear on highest points | $25 – $45 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Traces of wear only | $55 – $90 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, some marks | $100 – $175 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, strong luster | $300 – $500+ |
For the most current auction data and certified prices, you can check out real-time 1920 Buffalo Nickel price data by grade to see what these coins are actually selling for today.
What Makes Some 1920 Buffalo Nickels Worth More
Beyond basic grade, a few other factors can push the value of a 1920 Buffalo Nickel higher than typical.
Sharp Strike: Some Philadelphia Mint coins from this era were struck with better die pressure than others. A coin with a fully struck buffalo horn and well-defined facial features on the Native American is significantly more desirable to collectors.
Original Luster: Uncirculated coins that still have their original mint bloom — that soft, silky shine fresh from the mint — are worth considerably more than dull or cleaned examples. Never clean your old coins. Cleaning removes the natural patina and can cut the value by 50% or more.
No Damage: Coins with environmental damage like corrosion, scratches, or holes are worth only a fraction of undamaged examples, even if they were originally high grade.
Third-Party Grading: Coins certified by PCGS or NGC command stronger prices at auction because buyers trust the grade. If you believe you have a high-grade example, professional grading could be worth the investment.
How to Tell If Your 1920 Buffalo Nickel Is in Good Shape
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s condition. Grab a magnifying glass and check these key areas:
Look at the buffalo’s horn — in lower grades, the tip is completely flat. In higher grades (Fine and above), you’ll see a rounded, distinct horn.
Check the Indian’s cheekbone and hair braid. Finely struck, better-preserved coins show clear individual strands of hair and a bold facial profile.
Look at the date. Buffalo Nickels are notorious for weak or worn dates. If your date is partially or fully worn off, the coin is generally only worth face value or a few cents as a novelty.
For a deeper breakdown of what your specific coin might be worth across all grades, this detailed 1920 Buffalo Nickel value guide covers every condition level with real collector pricing.
Should You Sell, Hold, or Get It Graded?
If your 1920 Buffalo Nickel no mint mark looks heavily circulated, it’s worth $1 to $10 and is a nice piece of American history but not a major find. If it looks sharp, shiny, and like it hasn’t seen much pocket time, you may have something more valuable.
The smart first step is to use CoinHix — a free coin valuation tool that helps everyday people get quick, reliable estimates on old coins like this one. Whether you’re curious or seriously considering selling, CoinHix takes the guesswork out of the process.
If you think your coin grades AU or Mint State, consider sending it to PCGS or NGC for certification before selling. A graded MS-64 or higher coin will sell for significantly more than a raw example, and the grading cost usually pays for itself.
For on-the-go identifications, CoinHix also has a mobile-friendly interface that makes it easy to look up values anywhere, anytime — perfect when you’re going through an old coin collection or picking up coins at an estate sale.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my Buffalo Nickel is from Philadelphia or another mint?
A: Look on the reverse side, just below “FIVE CENTS.” If you see a “D,” it’s from Denver. An “S” means San Francisco. No letter at all means Philadelphia — that’s your no mint mark coin.
Q: Is a 1920 Buffalo Nickel with no date worth anything?
A: Unfortunately, a dateless Buffalo Nickel is worth very little — usually just a few cents to a dollar at most. The date is often the first thing to wear off on these coins, and most dealers won’t pay much for undated examples.
Q: What’s the most valuable 1920 Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
A: High-grade certified examples in MS-66 or MS-67 condition have sold at major auctions for over $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on the strike quality and eye appeal. These are rare survivals and represent the absolute top of the market.