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The Buffalo Nickel of 1916 stands as a testament to American coinage history, representing the third year of production for this beloved series. Crafted by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, the coin's design pays homage to the rugged spirit of the American West and the cultural heritage of Native American tribes.
Fraser's design for the Buffalo Nickel is celebrated for its iconic imagery, capturing the essence of the American frontier. On the obverse, a proud Native American chief is depicted in profile, wearing a traditional headdress adorned with feathers. The chief's stoic expression symbolizes the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of adversity.
Flanking the chief's profile are the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and the date "1916," signifying the year of issue. The absence of a motto on the obverse distinguishes the Buffalo Nickel from many other U.S. coins of the era, adding to its unique appeal.
The reverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a majestic American buffalo, or bison, standing atop a raised mound. The buffalo's powerful stance and rugged physique evoke the untamed spirit of the American wilderness, harkening back to a time when these magnificent creatures roamed the plains in vast herds.
Above the buffalo, the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircle the design, while the denomination "FIVE CENTS" is inscribed below. The absence of the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" distinguishes the Buffalo Nickel from its predecessor, the Liberty Head Nickel, contributing to its distinctive appearance.
In 1916, the Buffalo Nickel was struck at three different mint facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Coins minted in Philadelphia bear no mintmark, while those from Denver feature a "D" mintmark and those from San Francisco feature an "S" mintmark. Each mint played a crucial role in producing Buffalo Nickels to meet the demands of commerce.
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel had a total mintage of over 63 million pieces across all mint facilities, reflecting the coin's popularity and widespread circulation. Despite its high mintage, the 1916 issue remains highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance and iconic design.
Examining a 1916 Buffalo Nickel graded as Very Good reveals a coin with moderate wear but still retaining significant design details. On the obverse, the profile of the Native American chief remains discernible, although some flattening of the features may be evident due to circulation. The headdress worn by the chief may show signs of wear, with some loss of detail in the feathers and facial features. Despite this wear, the overall appearance of the obverse remains attractive, capturing the dignity and stoicism of the chief's countenance. Turning to the reverse, the buffalo exhibits moderate wear on its body and legs, with some loss of detail on the high points of the design. The raised mound beneath the buffalo may show signs of flattening, indicative of the coin's circulation in commerce.
Despite its circulated condition, a Very Good 1916 Buffalo Nickel retains its historical significance and numismatic appeal. Each coin serves as a tangible link to America's past, representing a pivotal moment in the nation's numismatic history and the enduring legacy of the American West.
In conclusion, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel in Very Good condition is a prized collectible, cherished for its iconic design, historical significance, and relative scarcity. Whether as part of a comprehensive Buffalo Nickel collection or a standalone piece, this coin offers collectors the opportunity to own a piece of American history and to appreciate the artistry of James Earle Fraser's iconic design.