1916 Buffalo Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$19,200 MS67+ 03-31-2021 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 63.5 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 72% of the year's production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $8 to $123 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3930.
External References
Error Varieties(6)
1916 Atypical Die Clash ADC-5C-1916-01
1916 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1916 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1916 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1916 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
