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