NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 3931 Coin Date: 1916 Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Variety: Doubled Die Obverse Desg: MS Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Mintage: 63,497,466 Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Buffalo nickel Coinage Years: 1913-1938 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 21.2 Weight (Grams): 5 Weight (Ounces): 0.1608 Designer: James Earle Fraser Edge: Plain Obverse Description: 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 Description: 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. General Notes:
The 1916 doubled die Buffalo nickel is an extremely rare and popular error variety, and it’s certainly the most sought-after doubled die in the entire series. One reason this coin is so well pursued by collectors is that the doubling is clearly visible with the naked eye and is most prominent in the date as well as in the mouth area of the Indian chief.
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Survival estimates for this issue range from 200 to 500 pieces. Among this small group of survivors, this coin is most commonly encountered in the mid-range circulated grades between Fine and Extremely Fine. The coin becomes extremely tough going up the grading scale to About Uncirculated and is all but elusive in the uncirculated grades, with less than two dozen known survivors. Presently, MS64 is the highest grade awarded by either PCGS or NGC, with a PCGS example once snagging more $250,000 in a 2013 Legend Rare Coins auction. PCGS #: 3931 NGC ID: 2TSS
