1920 (S) Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$44,563 MS65 11-06-2007 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1920 (S) Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 9.7 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 12% of production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $12 to $2.0K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3946.
