Price Guide for 1916 Nickel 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.

1916 Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $10.00 – $176.00
    Uncirculated: $0.75 – $19,200.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $8.08 – $9,650.00
    Uncirculated: $20.00 – $3,995.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $5.00 – $70.00
    Uncirculated: $75.00 – $25,000.00
1916 Nickel Doubled Die Obverse (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $431.00 – $54,625.00
    Uncirculated: $14,300.00 – $281,750.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $2,100.00 – $17,100.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $2,000.00 – $67,500.00
    Uncirculated: $77,500.00 – $275,000.00
1916-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $14.00 – $456.00
    Uncirculated: $1.25 – $24,675.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $8.99 – $257.35
    Uncirculated: $74.99 – $3,675.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $15.00 – $185.00
    Uncirculated: $200.00 – $45,000.00
1916-S Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $11.00 – $1,410.00
    Uncirculated: $2.10 – $35,250.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $2.22 – $355.00
    Uncirculated: $14.50 – $3,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $7.00 – $235.00
    Uncirculated: $250.00 – $45,000.00
1916 Nickel DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $930.00 – $44,400.00
    Uncirculated: $51,600.00 – $138,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $1,714.00 – $6,040.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $2,700.00 – $48,500.00
    Uncirculated: $55,000.00 – $275,000.00
1916-D Nickel 3 1/2 Leg FS-901 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $204.00 – $456.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $600.00 – $805.00
1916 Nickel (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2,070.00
    Uncirculated: $1,140.00 – $43,125.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2,670.00 – $6,875.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $750.00 – $950.00
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $50,000.00
1916 Nickel No F, FS-401 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $50.00 – $340.75
    Uncirculated: $79.00 – $1,057.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $41.00 – $195.00
    Uncirculated: $129.00 – $1,675.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $45.00 – $365.00
    Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,750.00
1916 Nickel 2 Feathers FS-402 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $74.00 – $403.00
    Uncirculated: $132.00 – $2,100.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $31.00 – $256.00
    Uncirculated: $204.00 – $1,100.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $30.00 – $215.00
    Uncirculated: $250.00 – $1,250.00

Design and Specifications of the 1916 Nickel

The 1916 Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel or Indian Head Nickel, was in its fourth year of production. This coin represents a significant piece of American numismatic history, as it was one of the last coins to feature a Native American on the obverse and an iconic American animal on the reverse before the Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938.

The year 1916 was notable as it marked the middle of World War I, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. The Buffalo Nickel design was praised for its artistic merit but criticized for its lack of durability in circulation.

Weight 5.0 grams
Diameter 21.2 mm
Mint Marks D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Profile of Liberty wearing a winged cap, designed by Charles E. Barber
Reverse Design Standing bison on a raised mound, designed by Felix Schlag

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1916 Buffalo Nickels. These coins were prone to weak strikes and rapid wear, making high-grade examples particularly desirable. Coins with full horn details on the bison and clear feather details on the Indian’s headdress command significant premiums.

The date and mint mark areas were often the first to wear, so coins with clearly visible dates and mint marks are more valuable. Uncirculated specimens with original luster and minimal contact marks are highly sought after by collectors.

Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

Mintage: 63,498,066

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and rapid wear

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens

Denver (D)

Mintage: 13,333,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for high-grade examples

San Francisco (S)

Mintage: 11,860,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Very Rare in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens

Strike quality is a major factor in Buffalo Nickel valuation. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the bison’s horn and the Indian’s hair and feathers, are more valuable. Attractive natural toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value.

While not particularly rare as a date, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel in high grades is scarce, especially for the Denver and San Francisco mints. The historical significance of the design and its representation of early 20th-century America contribute to its enduring popularity among collectors.

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