1916-S 5C G4 Certification #18795629, PCGS #3933

CoinFacts Details

Owner's Comments

PCGS attributed this 1916 S Buffalo Nickel as a Minor Variety No F. Or in fact, is this the fake "skinny" Counterfeit Buffalo Nickel? The Reverse of this 1916 S looks like the Reverse of my 1917 S Obverse Die CUD nickel shown below in this error showcase set. I'll let you decide but in any case, I fell It still belongs in my Unusual and Unique Buffalo Nickels either way. Counterfeits, if it is, can be of interest also!

Expert Comments

David Hall

In circulated grades, the 1916-S is the least rare of the 1913 to 1919 San Francisco Mint Buffalo nickels, and though it has a slightly lower mintage, it is not quite as scarce as the 1916-D. In mint state condition, it is also a little easier to find than the other S Mints of the era, but in Gem MS65 or better the 1916-S is quite rare. It is rarer in gem condition than the 1913-S Type 2, 1914-S, and 1915-S. The 1916-S can be found well struck, but they are some less than fully struck survivors. Luster is typically somewhat frosty and is usually excellent on higher grade mint state specimens.

PCGS #

3933

Designer

James Earle Fraser

Edge

Plain

Diameter

21.20 millimeters

Weight

5.00 grams

Mintage

11860000

Metal

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Pop Higher

1961

Pop Lower

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate 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.
65 or Better	7500	R-3.5	26 / 69 TIE	26 / 72 TIE
All Grades	1400	R-4.8	23 / 69 TIE	23 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	225	R-6.7	23 / 69 TIE	23 / 72 TIE

Survival Estimate 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.
65 or Better	7500
All Grades	1400
60 or Better	225

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.
65 or Better	R-3.5
All Grades	R-4.8
60 or Better	R-6.7

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.
65 or Better	26 / 69 TIE
All Grades	23 / 69 TIE
60 or Better	23 / 69 TIE

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.
65 or Better	26 / 72 TIE
All Grades	23 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	23 / 72 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Thumbnail	Pedigree and History
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
5	MS66+ PCGS grade

#1 MS67 PCGS grade

#5 MS66+ PCGS grade