1920 Lincoln Penny (S) Value
Ah, the Lincoln penny, a true staple of American coinage. The 1920 edition, in particular, is like the holy grail for coin collectors. At first glance, you might mistake it for the pocket change jingling around today, but look a little closer, and you’ll see the subtle differences that make it special. These unique traits, along with its historical charm, make the 1920 Lincoln penny a must-have for any serious collection.
On the front, you’ve got the classic profile of Abraham Lincoln, just like on the pennies you find in your couch cushions. To his left, the word “Liberty” is etched, and to his right, the year 1920 stands proudly. Above it all, “In God We Trust” arches over the top, just in case you needed a reminder.
Flip it over, and instead of some grand image, you get two key inscriptions: “One Cent” and “United States of America.” Above these, the Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” makes its appearance. And let’s not forget the two elegant wheat stalks flanking the sides, which is why this little piece of history is affectionately called the “Wheat Penny.”
Evaluating the Condition of the 1920 Lincoln Penny
For those who think just having a 1920 Lincoln penny is enough, think again. True collectors are all about snagging those coins in tip-top shape. The condition of a coin gets its official stamp through a process called grading, where an expert gives it a once-over and slaps on a grade that sums up its state in one word. Here’s a quick rundown of what those grades mean:
Uncirculated: This is the gold standard. Never seen a pocket or a purse, so all those raised details are just as crisp as the day it was minted. Sure, it might have mellowed a bit in color, but it’s still in mint condition.
Extremely Fine: Barely brushed by circulation, these coins might have a tiny scratch here or there, but to the casual observer, they’re practically perfect.
Fine: This penny’s been around the block a few times but still holds up pretty well. You might notice some smoothing on the edges, but the main design and text are still clear.
Good: This one’s been through the wringer. Lots of wear and tear, with some of the finer details and lettering possibly rubbed away. It’s seen a lot of action, that’s for sure.
Valuing the 1920 Lincoln Penny
The value of a 1920 Lincoln penny is determined by its type and grade. Each year typically features three distinct types of pennies, resulting in a wide range of values for coins of identical grades. To assist you in assessing the worth of a 1920 Lincoln penny based on its type and condition, we have provided a chart below.
Good: $0.50
Fine: $1.50
Extremely Fine: $10
Uncirculated: $35
