Price Guide for 1920 Cent 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: $10.00 – $207.00Uncirculated: $2.10 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $43.50 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $280.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $978.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.12 – $185.00Uncirculated: $24.95 – $431.56
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $95.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $91.00 – $31,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.81 – $3,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $21,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $320.00 – $1,400.00Uncirculated: $24.00 – $16,675.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $16,756.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00 – $129.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $48,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.00 – $49.00Uncirculated: $807.00 – $9,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $329.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $403.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.33 – $133.81Uncirculated: $7.50 – $510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $22.00Uncirculated: $24.00 – $130.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00Uncirculated: $0.20 – $374.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.65 – $234.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $910.00Uncirculated: $78.77 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $925.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $9,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $103.00 – $1,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1920 Cent
The 1920 Lincoln Cent continued the design introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin was minted during the post-World War I economic boom, a time of significant industrial growth and prosperity in the United States.
The Lincoln Cent had become a staple of American commerce, and its production reflected the increasing demand for coinage in a growing economy.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Lincoln's portrait facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears flanking ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1920 Lincoln Cents significantly impacts their value. Due to the large mintages and extensive circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly valuable.
The quality of the strike is crucial, as many 1920 cents, especially from San Francisco, suffer from weak strikes. Well-struck coins with full details are highly desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 310,165,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to soft strikes and bag marks
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 46,220,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above, often with weak strikes
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-struck, high-grade examples
Luster and color play important roles in determining a 1920 cent’s value. Coins with original red color (RD) are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB) and then brown (BN) specimens. The presence of attractive, natural toning can enhance value, particularly for high-grade examples.
While not typically considered a key date, 1920-S cents in high grades are scarcer and more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts. Collectors also pay premiums for coins with exceptional eye appeal, free from distracting marks or spots.
