Whitman Expo
1916-D Nickel MS Values
Details
The 1916-D Buffalo nickel is, for the series, a fairly typical early mintmarked issue. Boasting a mintage of 13,333,000, this piece is scarce in circulated grades and tough in uncirculated levels, though as a rule is generally well struck. Gem issues are about as scarce as the Type 2 Denver-minted pieces that came before in 1913, 1914, and 1915, as well as the 1917-D. Only a few dozen examples are known in MS66, currently the highest grade awarded for the issue by PCGS. NGC reports 2 in MS67 as of summer 2019.
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:
Denver
Mintage:
13,333,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
D
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
Feedback:
