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The Buffalo Nickel 1920 in Extra Fine condition is a classic example of American coinage that captures the spirit of a young nation pushing toward modernity while still rooted in its frontier past. Issued during a transformative period in American history, this coin circulated during the early years of the Roaring Twenties—a decade marked by technological advancement, cultural evolution, and economic growth. The Buffalo nickel, first introduced in 1913, had already gained popularity as one of the most artistic and distinctly American coins ever struck. The 1920 issue continued that tradition with strong symbolism, realistic portraiture, and nationalistic themes that resonated deeply with the American public.
The Buffalo nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser, a former student of famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Fraser drew upon his childhood experiences on the American frontier for inspiration, creating designs that honored both the Native American tribes of the Great Plains and the nearly vanished American bison. The obverse of the coin features a profile of a Native American chief, while the reverse depicts a powerful American bison standing on a naturalistic ground. These designs replaced the classical imagery of the Liberty Head nickel and introduced a bold new aesthetic direction for U.S. coinage—one rooted in realism, strength, and national identity.
The obverse of the 1920 Buffalo nickel portrays a right-facing Native American with deeply incised features, braided hair, and a feathered headdress. The portrait is flanked by the word “LIBERTY” along the upper right and the date “1920” in the lower left. In Extra Fine condition, this obverse retains strong definition, with clear facial features and separation in the braids and feathers. Light wear is visible on the highest points, particularly on the cheekbone, jawline, and the tips of the headdress feathers. However, the word “LIBERTY” is still sharp, and the date is fully legible—a significant factor, as dates on Buffalo nickels are known to wear away quickly in circulation.
The reverse showcases a large American bison standing left on a raised mound. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appear above the bison, while the denomination “FIVE CENTS” is inscribed below. On 1920 Philadelphia issues, there is no mintmark. In Extra Fine condition, the bison remains well-defined, with visible musculature along the shoulders, flanks, and legs. Some high points, such as the shoulder hump and front leg, show modest wear, but the tail, horns, and ground line are clearly visible. The overall scene retains much of its original texture, allowing the naturalistic design elements to be fully appreciated.
The 1920 Buffalo nickel was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint struck the highest number, with a mintage of 63,093,000 coins. Despite the large production figure, many of these coins saw heavy circulation over the decades, and relatively few examples have survived in higher circulated grades like Extra Fine. The quality of the Philadelphia strikes in 1920 was generally solid, though inconsistencies in die wear and planchet preparation occasionally led to soft areas in the design. Still, the majority of surviving examples from this mintage are considered attractive when found in problem-free, mid-to-high circulated condition.
The Buffalo nickel series is particularly known for its susceptibility to wear and strike weakness. The high-relief design made it difficult to achieve full detail in a single blow, and areas such as the date, bison’s head, and horn were especially prone to wear and fading. The 1920 issue is no exception, and many surviving pieces are well-worn with missing details. Extra Fine examples, by contrast, represent a relatively small percentage of the surviving population and are especially desirable for their balance between affordability and visual quality. These specimens preserve much of the original artistry while showing enough wear to reflect their history of use in commerce.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1920 Buffalo nickel shows light to moderate wear across the high points of the design but retains strong detail throughout. On the obverse, the Native American’s eye, nose, mouth, and facial contours are all present, with the braid and hairlines still mostly visible. The feathers are outlined, though worn at their tips. On the reverse, the bison’s legs and hump exhibit smoothing, but the outline is sharp and most fur detail remains. The raised ground line and lettering remain strong, and the rims are full and free of major damage. This level of preservation allows collectors to enjoy the coin’s design in a state that reveals both its original beauty and its age-earned character.
Coins in Extra Fine condition also tend to retain attractive natural toning. The color palette may include warm golden-browns, slate grays, or subtle olive hues, depending on the environment in which the coin was stored. Light contact marks and abrasions from circulation are expected, but these do not detract significantly from the coin’s overall appearance. Original surfaces with even wear and unaltered patina are especially prized. Collectors favor examples that have not been cleaned or polished, as such treatments reduce both aesthetic appeal and value. A 1920 Buffalo nickel in Extra Fine condition with clean fields and pleasing color is a standout piece in any collection of early 20th-century coinage.
The 1920 Buffalo nickel also carries historical importance as part of a nation emerging from World War I and entering a new era of prosperity and change. The decade that followed saw dramatic shifts in transportation, industry, entertainment, and social norms. Yet coins like the Buffalo nickel served as everyday reminders of the country’s frontier past, evoking images of the American West, Native traditions, and the once-roaming herds of bison. As such, the coin stands as both a practical artifact of commerce and a work of symbolic art, linking Americans to their collective heritage through the pocket change of daily life.
Among collectors, the 1920 Buffalo nickel in Extra Fine condition occupies a desirable niche. While not as rare as some of the lower mintage Denver and San Francisco issues, the 1920 Philadelphia coin in XF is far less common than its total mintage suggests. It is a perfect piece for those assembling a circulated type set, a date set of Buffalo nickels, or simply seeking well-struck, historically rich examples from the early part of the series. Its combination of robust design, visible detail, and early 20th-century charm gives it enduring appeal across a wide range of collecting interests and experience levels.
The Buffalo Nickel 1920 Extra Fine represents an ideal blend of artistry, history, and preservation. It stands as a tribute to the design mastery of James Earle Fraser, the craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint, and the resilience of a coin that served a growing nation during a defining era. Its bold imagery, modest wear, and original surfaces make it a rewarding acquisition for collectors who value both beauty and authenticity. Whether held for investment, education, or enjoyment, the 1920 Buffalo nickel in Extra Fine condition continues to serve as a lasting icon of America's numismatic and cultural heritage.