Price Guide for 1920 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $1,057.50Uncirculated: $1.05 – $12,650.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $527.89Uncirculated: $17.50 – $2,856.70
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $25,000.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $44,563.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $255.00 – $5,590.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $925.00Uncirculated: $1,025.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $2,310.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $138,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $1,150.00Uncirculated: $505.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $13.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $998.75
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eBayCirculated: $203.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,225.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $110.50 – $162.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $360.00
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eBayCirculated: $90.00
Design and Specifications of the 1920 Nickel
The 1920 Nickel, also known as the Jefferson Nickel, was part of the series that began in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. This coin marked the continuation of a design that would remain largely unchanged for over six decades. The year 1920 saw the United States transitioning from the post-World War I era, with the economy beginning to boom in what would become known as the Roaring Twenties.
Weight | 5.0 grams |
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Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Obverse Design | Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1920 Nickels. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are significantly more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of full steps on Monticello (on the reverse) is highly prized by collectors and can substantially increase the coin’s value.
Luster is another important factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being more desirable. Toning, if attractive and natural, can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 63,093,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 9,418,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 39,157,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is particularly important for 1920 Nickels. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Monticello’s steps, command premium prices. The Denver mint coins from this year are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage.
While no major varieties or errors are known for 1920 Nickels, any discovered error coins could be highly valuable due to their rarity. Collectors also appreciate coins with minimal contact marks and scratches, particularly on Jefferson’s cheek and in the fields around the design elements.