The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
Numismatic Rarity
Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
Relative Rarity By Type
Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
Relative Rarity By Series
Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution
#6 MS65+ PCGS grade
Bob R. Simpson Collection
#6 MS65+ PCGS grade
#8 MS65 PCGS grade
#8 MS65 PCGS grade
#8 MS65 PCGS grade
David Akers (1975/88):
Due to the existence of a small hoard of approximately 200 pieces that surfaced a few years ago, it is possible to locate this issue in MS-63 or lower grade with only a moderate amount of difficulty. Since the hoard did not contain any gem or even MS-64 quality coins that I am aware of, at the higher levels this date is still quite rare, although it is more often available in MS-65 condition than any San Francisco Mint Indian Head $5 other than the 1908-S. There are several MS-65+ specimens known and a few others that might even reasonably be called "Superb."
The 1916-S is invariably well struck and the mint mark is bold but lacking definition. Most of the known Mint State specimens are from the same hoard, and they typically have frosty, very finely granular surfaces and only average lustre. A few pieces (not from the hoard) have excellent lustre and surfaces that, while not exactly as satiny as some 1908-S or 1915-S specimens, are more satiny than frosty. Most of the hoard coins have a light greenish gold and orange toning. Other examples of this issue vary from bright yellow gold to rose colored gold to a medium coppery color.
PCGS is not responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of Ebay listings.