1. Mint Mark:
- No Mint Mark: Lincoln cents minted in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark. These are the most common and have a lower value compared to coins minted in other mints.
- D (Denver Mint): Lincoln cents minted in Denver have a "D" mint mark located below the date. They are slightly less common than Philadelphia coins and may have a slightly higher value.
- S (San Francisco Mint): Lincoln cents minted in San Francisco have an "S" mint mark located below the date. They are the scarcest and most valuable among the 1920 Lincoln cent varieties.
2. Condition:
- Circulated: Circulated coins are those that have been in general circulation and show wear and tear. Common circulated 1920 Lincoln cents typically have minimal value.
- Uncirculated (MS): Uncirculated coins are those that have not been in general circulation and do not show any signs of wear. Uncirculated 1920 Lincoln cents are more valuable than circulated ones, with the value increasing for higher grades such as MS-65, MS-66, and so on.
3. Rarities and Varieties:
- 1920-D "No D" Variety: This is a rare variety where the "D" mint mark is missing on Denver-minted coins. It is a sought-after variety and can command higher prices.
- Other Rare Varieties: There are other rare varieties of the 1920 Lincoln cent, such as the 1920-S "Overdate" and the 1920-S "Weak S." The values of these varieties can vary based on their condition and scarcity.
It is recommended to consult with a coin dealer or numismatic expert to accurately assess the value of a specific 1920 Lincoln cent, considering its mint mark, condition, and any rare varieties or errors it may exhibit.