1916 Buffalo Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

This is the doubled die obverse of the 1916 Buffalo Nickel. The obverse design was impressed into the working die in two slightly different positions, so the die itself carries a doubled image and every coin struck from it shows the same doubling in the same place. The displacement is consistent in direction across the affected elements, and both images are fully formed and rounded. That is what distinguishes a true doubled die from machine doubling, which happens during the strike and leaves a flat shelf with no serifs. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse is part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The obverse features a Native American portrait that James Earle Fraser described as a composite of several chiefs, including Iron Tail (Lakota) and Two Moons (Cheyenne), and the reverse displays an American bison, traditionally identified as Black Diamond of New York's Central Park menagerie, standing on flat ground. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $5.6K to $155K 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 #3931.

Cross References

FS-101