1916 Matte Finish Nickel PR Values

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1916 Matte Finish Nickel PR Values

Details

The 1916 proof Buffalo nickel has a tiny mintage of only 600 pieces, the lowest of the series. The majority of 1916 proofs are found in the PR64-66 range, though several dozen have been certified by PCGS and NGC in PR67. Both firms have certified fewer than a combined dozen as PR68s. The 1916 proof Buffalo nickels were the last regular-issue proofs for the series until 1936, when the US Mint revived its proof coin program after a 20-year hiatus.

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.

Basic Information

GSID:

3154

Coin Date:

1916

Denomination:

5c / 5 Cents

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

600

Coinage Type:

Buffalo nickel

Coinage Years:

1913-1938

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

Matte Finish

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

5 gr

Weight:

0.1608 oz

Strike Type:

Proof

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:

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