The 1920-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $0.50 in worn condition to over $350 in high-grade mint state. Finding this San Francisco minted coin in your pocket change is a thrilling discovery, as its value significantly exceeds its face value even in heavily circulated condition.
| Condition | Estimated Value (Brown) | Estimated Value (Red-Brown/Red) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.50 – $0.75 | N/A |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.90 – $1.50 | N/A |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $15.00 – $25.00 | $35.00 – $50.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $145.00 | $210.00 – $400.00 |
Historical Significance of the 1920-S Wheat Penny
In the year 1920, the United States was entering a period of massive social and economic change known as the Roaring Twenties.
While millions of pennies were produced at the Philadelphia mint, the branch mints like San Francisco had lower outputs. If you are unsure if you have a genuine San Francisco strike, using a best coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark location instantly.
The 1920-S Wheat Penny features the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner.
The “S” mint mark, located just below the date, indicates its origin from the San Francisco Mint. Because these coins were struck during a time when few people thought to save “common” pennies in pristine condition, finding one today with any original luster is quite rare.
Many of these coins were circulated heavily through the Great Depression, leading to the worn, brown surfaces most collectors find today.
Grading and Determining 1920-S Lincoln Cent Value
Grading is the process of evaluating the physical condition of a coin. For the 1920-S Wheat Penny, the difference between a “Fine” grade and an “Uncirculated” grade can mean hundreds of dollars in profit.
Casual collectors often feel overwhelmed by grading scales, but the CoinHix app simplifies this by allowing you to compare your coin against high-resolution reference images for an accurate estimate.
When examining your coin, look at Lincoln’s jawline and the “wheat stalks” on the reverse.
In “Good” condition, the outlines of these features will be visible but flat. In “Extremely Fine” condition, the hair details behind Lincoln’s ear should be distinct.
If you believe your coin has never been spent, you should check the 1920-S Wheat Penny price data for mint state red gems to see how much your specific grade might be worth.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Date and letters worn but readable. Wheat stalks are outlines. |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Lincoln’s cheekbone is worn, but hair is mostly visible. |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Only slight wear on the highest points; often retains some luster. |
Why Color Matters for San Francisco Wheat Pennies
Wheat pennies are categorized by their color: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN).
Copper oxidizes over time, turning the bright orange-red of a new coin into a dull chocolate brown. For the 1920-S mintage, original Red survivors are exceptionally scarce.
The CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a naturally toned Red-Brown coin and one that has been artificially cleaned, which can ruin its value.
A 1920-S in a Brown (BN) designation is the most common find. These are typically coins that circulated for years.
However, if you possess a coin that still shines with its original mint luster, its value skyrockets. You can research detailed 1920-S Lincoln cent market value info to see the drastic price jumps between color grades.
For example, a Brown MS-65 might be worth $300, while a Red MS-65 could fetch over $10,000 at a high-end auction due to its survival rarity.
Common Errors and Variations in 1920-S Pennies
While the 1920-S is not famous for a single major “named” error like the 1955 doubled die, collectors still hunt for minor minting mistakes.
Common variations include Die Cracks (fine lines caused by a breaking stamp) and Lamination Errors (where the copper surface peels away).
Mechanical Doubling is often mistaken for a valuable Doubled Die.
If you see doubling on the date, look closely to see if it looks like a “shelf” or shadow; if it does, it’s likely mechanical doubling, which doesn’t add much value.
True Doubled Dies show clear, distinct separation of the digits or letters. Recording your finds in the CoinHix app database is a great way to keep track of any unusual characteristics you find while browsing your collection.
| Error Type | Rarity | Added Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lamination Crack | Uncommon | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| Off-Center Strike | Rare | $50.00 – $200.00+ |
| Repunched Mint Mark | Very Rare | $20.00 – $100.00 |
Tips for Selling Your 1920-S Wheat Cent
If you’ve determined that your penny is worth a significant amount, the next step is knowing where to sell it.
Common circulated copies are best sold in bulk on platforms like eBay or to local coin shops. However, high-grade 1920-S pennies should be professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.
When selling online, high-quality photos are your best friend.
Make sure to use natural lighting and capture both the “S” mint mark and the level of detail on the “Wheat” ears clearly.
Avoiding cleaning your coins is the most important rule of thumb; many well-meaning beginners scrub their pennies with soap or polish, which permanently removes the coin’s surface layer and can decrease its value by 90% or more.
Summary of the 1920-S Coin Market
The 1920-S Wheat Penny remains a favorite for collectors building a “date and mint” set.
While it isn’t the rarest coin in the series, its status as an early-date San Francisco strike gives it a premium over Philadelphia coins from the same era.
Whether you found one in an old jar or inherited a collection, taking a few minutes to evaluate its color and wear can reveal if you’re holding a common cent or a rare piece of American history worth hundreds of dollars.
Remember to stay updated on market trends, as the value of early copper coins continues to rise as high-quality survivors become harder to find.
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 beneath the date “1920.” If there is no letter under the date, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Why is the “S” mint mark more valuable than the “D” or No Mint Mark for 1920?
A: Generally, the San Francisco (S) mint had lower production numbers and poorer strike quality for that year, making well-struck, high-grade examples significantly rarer and more desirable to collectors.
Q: Should I clean my 1920-S penny to make it look “Red”?
A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches and chemically alters the surface, which professional numismatists can spot instantly. A cleaned coin will always be worth less than an original, dirty-looking coin.
Q: How many 1920-S Wheat Pennies were minted?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced 46,220,000 Lincoln cents in 1920. While this sounds like a lot, it is relatively low compared to the 310 million produced in Philadelphia that same year.
