1916 (S) 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
$35,250 MS67 11-02-2023 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
Produced at the San Francisco Mint, the 1916 (S) Buffalo Nickel is part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 11.9 million examples, making this the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 13% of total 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. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $16 to $376 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 #3933.
External References
Error Varieties(1)
Other Strike Types in This Series
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