1920-S Wheat Penny Value: How Much Is Your Coin Worth?
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1920-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $1 in heavily worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While many of these coins found in pocket change are common, specific examples from the San Francisco Mint can command a significant premium among serious collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.75 – $1.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $120.00 – $250.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65 RD) | $600.00 – $1,500+ |
Understanding the History of the 1920-S Wheat Cent
The 1920-S Wheat Penny was struck during a transitional era for the United States Mint. Following the conclusion of World War I, the economy was shifting, and the demand for small currency was high. If you want to identify your find quickly, using the top coin identifier and value app is the most efficient way to get an instant result.
In 1920, the San Francisco Mint produced 46,220,000 Lincoln Wheat Cents. While nearly 50 million might sound like a huge number, it is significantly lower than the production at the Philadelphia Mint that same year. Because the San Francisco Mint (denoted by the “S” mint mark) generally had lower mintage figures, these coins are often more sought after by hobbyists.
When you use the CoinKnow app to scan your penny, you’ll notice that the “S” mint mark is located just below the date. This tiny letter makes a world of difference in price. A 1920 penny without a mint mark is usually worth much less than its West Coast counterpart. Finding an “S” mint mark is the first step toward discovering a potential hidden gem in your piggy bank.
Historical records show that many 1920-S pennies were released into general circulation and stayed there for decades. This means that a large majority of existing coins are very worn. Finding one that still has its original copper luster is quite rare. Collectors focus on the “Wheat” stalks on the reverse and Lincoln’s hair details on the obverse to determine the grade.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How Grading Affects the 1920-S Penny Price
The value of a 1920-S Lincoln Cent depends almost entirely on its condition, also known as its “grade.” Professionals use a 70-point scale to determine quality. For the average person, the difference between a “Good” coin and a “Fine” coin might seem small, but for a collector, it represents a jump in value. The 1920 penny value information suggests that even slight improvements in detail can double the price.
A “Good” grade indicates a coin that is very worn. The outlines of Lincoln’s head are visible, but most of the fine lines in his coat and hair are gone. The “S” mint mark might be weak but still legible. As we move up to “Fine” or “Very Fine,” the lines in the wheat ears on the back begin to stand out. These are the details that CoinKnow helps users identify through high-resolution photo analysis.
Uncirculated coins are the holy grail for 1920-S collectors. Most of these coins were “bags” that were stored in damp conditions or handled roughly. Consequently, a 1920-S penny that looks like it was minted yesterday is incredibly expensive. In fact, the 1920-S wheat penny price guides for mint state red coins show that examples in MS-65 condition can sell for thousands of dollars at major auctions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Technical Grade | Visual Description | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Worn smooth but letters clear | $1.25 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Lincoln’s cheek is worn; wheat ears clear | $7.50 |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Traces of wear only on high points | $65.00 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | No wear; original luster present | $210.00 |
Color Designations: Brown vs. Red 1920-S Pennies
When dealing with copper coins like the Lincoln Cent, the color is a major factor in the final sale price. A 1920-S Wheat Penny is classified into one of three color categories: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). If you are unsure which category your coin falls into, the CoinKnow app can help distinguish between these subtle copper shades.
Brown coins (BN) are the most common. Over the last 100 years, copper reacts with the environment and oxidizes, turning a chocolate brown color. Most 1920-S pennies you find in old collections will be Brown. While they are still valuable, they do not command the “wow factor” prices that bright copper coins do.
Red (RD) coins are those that have retained at least 95% of their original mint orange-red glow. These are exceptionally rare for the 1920-S issue. Because the San Francisco Mint had some quality control issues in 1920, many coins were struck with worn dies, making “Full Red” examples even harder to find. If you possess a Red 1920-S penny, you are looking at a high-end investment-grade item.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Red-Brown (RB) coins consist of a mixture of original red and oxidized brown. These are a middle-ground for collectors who want a beautiful coin without paying the extreme premium for a perfect Red specimen. Always keep your copper coins in a dry, cool place to prevent further oxidation, as any change in color can lower the coin’s market value.
The “S” Mint Mark and Production Quality Issues
The 1920-S Wheat Penny is famous among numismatists for varied striking quality. Unlike the Philadelphia Mint, which produced crisp coins, the San Francisco Mint in 1920 often used dies until they were completely worn down. This resulted in “mushy” or weak strikes where the details look blurred even if the coin has never been circulated.
A weak strike can sometimes be mistaken for wear. For example, the “L” in LIBERTY might be very close to the edge of the coin, or the wheat lines might look faint. Collectors generally prefer a “sharp” strike, where all the letters and hair details are crisp. If you find a 1920-S with an exceptionally sharp strike, it could be worth significantly more than the standard price guide suggests.
Because of these production variations, identifying the true condition can be tricky for a beginner. Using a tool like CoinKnow helps subtract the “noise” of a bad strike to help you see the actual wear on the metal. This ensures you don’t undersell a rare specimen just because the “S” looks a little faint or the text isn’t perfectly centered.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Interestingly, many 1920-S coins also suffer from “woodgrain” or “woody” toning. This occurs when the metal alloy wasn’t mixed perfectly, creating dark and light streaks across the surface. While some collectors find this distracting, others enjoy the unique look of a woody penny.
Key Errors to Look For in the 1920-S Lincoln Cent
While the standard 1920-S Wheat Penny is valuable, error coins are where the real excitement begins. While there aren’t many major “named” varieties for this year (like the famous 1955 Doubled Die), there are several minor errors that can increase the value of your common 1920-S penny.
Die cracks are common for this year. Because the San Francisco Mint used dies for too long, the steel would eventually crack under the pressure of the coin press. These cracks appear as raised lines of metal on the surface of the penny. A large die crack that runs through the date or Lincoln’s head can add $5 to $20 to the value of a circulated coin.
Another error to check for is the “Lamination Error.” This happens when a piece of the copper surface flakes off or peels away, revealing the metal underneath. While usually considered a defect, some collectors specialize in these “planchet flaws.” Off-center strikes, where the coin image is not centered on the copper disc, are also highly valuable, though quite rare for the 1920-S.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Error Type | Estimated Added Value |
|---|---|
| Small Die Crack | +$2 – $10 |
| Lamination Peel | +$5 – $30 |
| 10% Off-Center Strike | +$50 – $150 |
| Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) | +$10 – $50 |
Where to Sell Your 1920-S Wheat Penny
Once you have identified your coin and used CoinKnow to estimate its grade, you might want to turn that copper into cash. For coins worth less than $10, selling them individually on eBay might not be worth the shipping costs. Instead, consider saving them or selling them as a “lot” of early S-mint pennies.
For higher-grade coins (XF-40 and above), you have several options. Local coin shops are a great place for a quick sale, though they usually pay about 50-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit. If you have a truly rare Red 1920-S in uncirculated condition, sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended before selling.
Online marketplaces like eBay or GreatCollections are popular for intermediate-value coins. Ensure you take very clear, high-resolution photos in natural light. Buyers want to see the “S” mint mark clearly and check for any hidden scratches. Being honest about the condition will help you maintain a good seller rating and ensure a smooth transaction.
Finally, keep an eye on auction records. Prices for Lincoln Cents fluctuate based on market demand. Currently, early 20th-century San Francisco pennies are seeing a steady rise in interest as younger collectors enter the hobby. Holding onto your 1920-S for a few more years might even result in a higher payout in the future.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1920-S Wheat Penny?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, directly below the date 1920. If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is a 1920-S penny made of real copper?
A: Yes, the 1920-S Wheat Penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. It weighs approximately 3.11 grams, which is heavier than modern pennies made after 1982.
Q: Why is my 1920-S penny very dark?
A: This is due to oxidation. Over time, copper reacts with oxygen and oils from skin, turning from a bright orange to a dark brown. This is normal and is referred to as “Brown” (BN) condition in the coin world.
Q: Should I clean my 1920-S Wheat Penny to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloths creates microscopic scratches that collectors can easily detect. A cleaned coin usually loses 50% or more of its numismatic value.
Q: How can I tell if my 1920-S penny is a rare error?
A: Look for anomalies like doubled letters, raised lines (die cracks), or missing parts of the design. Using a magnifying glass or a coin-scanning app like CoinKnow is the best way to spot these tiny details.
