Whitman Expo
1916 Nickel MS Values
Details
With a mintage of nearly 63.5 million, the 1916 Buffalo nickels from the Philadelphia Mint boast the highest mintage for the series of any issue from the 1910s. These pieces are plentiful in all circulated grades and even in uncirculated. Moreover, it’s among the easiest to locate in mid-Gem range among any of the Buffalo nickels struck from the mid 1910s through early 1920s. However, the coin is scarce in MS66 and decidedly difficult in MS67.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
63,497,466
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1916
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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