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The Certified 1916 Buffalo Nickel in MS65 condition, graded by PCGS, represents one of the finest examples of this iconic early 20th-century coin. The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is among the most beloved and widely collected designs in American numismatics. Designed by James Earle Fraser and introduced in 1913, the series combines historical depth with artistic excellence. By 1916, the coin had undergone minor refinements to address wear issues, and the year stands out as a well-struck, relatively available issue in the series. This Mint State 65 (Gem Uncirculated) coin, certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service, is exceptional for its luster, sharp detail, and superior preservation, appealing to both advanced collectors and type set builders alike.
On the obverse, Fraser’s powerful rendition of a Native American man remains a timeless symbol of American artistry. The portrait is said to be a composite of several Native American chiefs, including Iron Tail, Two Moons, and possibly John Big Tree. In MS65 condition, the features are razor-sharp and fully struck, with no wear and only minor, insignificant marks under magnification. The LIBERTY inscription is bold and fully defined at the rim, and the date “1916” is strong and untouched. The fine details in the hair braids, feathers, and facial contours are rendered with exceptional clarity in this grade, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate Fraser’s masterful engraving.
The reverse of the coin features an equally iconic American bison, often referred to as a buffalo. This animal was reportedly modeled after “Black Diamond,” a bison that lived in the Central Park Zoo in New York. The powerful figure of the buffalo stands on a flat plain, a feature introduced with the Type 2 reverse that replaced the original mound-based Type 1 reverse partway through 1913. On this 1916 issue, the word “FIVE CENTS” is securely placed beneath the buffalo’s hooves and is well-struck. In MS65 condition, all the essential elements—the shaggy coat, muscular shoulders, tail, and facial features—are impressively well-defined. The legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” encircle the upper rim with crispness, and the surfaces exhibit vibrant luster that dances across the fields under light.
The 1916 Buffalo Nickel was struck at three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. This particular example bears no mintmark, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The total mintage for the 1916 Philadelphia issue was 63,498,066 pieces, making it one of the more plentiful dates in the series. Despite this high mintage, true Gem Uncirculated examples with full strikes, clean surfaces, and blazing luster remain desirable. The popularity of the Buffalo Nickel series ensures strong ongoing demand for well-preserved Mint State pieces, especially those certified by leading grading services like PCGS.
PCGS, or the Professional Coin Grading Service, is widely respected for its stringent grading standards and secure encapsulation process. A coin graded MS65 by PCGS meets the high criteria of having strong luster, excellent strike quality, and only minor contact marks that are unobtrusive to the eye. The MS65 grade represents the lower end of the “Gem” category, which begins at MS65 and continues through MS70. Collectors value this grade for combining strong visual appeal and condition without entering the prohibitively expensive territory of higher uncirculated grades.
Coins in MS65 condition are considered fully uncirculated with a near-perfect appearance to the naked eye. For the 1916 Buffalo Nickel, this means no signs of wear, smooth and lustrous fields, and full detail in both the obverse and reverse design elements. This example likely exhibits satiny or semi-glossy mint luster, a hallmark of high-quality Buffalo Nickels. Strike quality on Philadelphia-minted 1916 nickels is typically strong, and this specimen would feature a full horn on the bison and sharply defined hair on the Native American portrait. These features further enhance the desirability of the piece for discerning numismatists.
The Buffalo Nickel series ran from 1913 to 1938 and is highly collectible in all grades. However, the challenge of finding Gem Mint State coins with strong strikes and minimal abrasions increases significantly with earlier dates. The 1916 Philadelphia issue, while not rare in circulated grades, becomes much scarcer in MS65 and higher. This certified example is especially valuable for those assembling high-grade year sets or looking to complete a top-tier Buffalo Nickel collection. Its combination of strong strike, pristine surfaces, and the artistic merit of Fraser’s design places it among the most collectible coins of its era.
The composition of the Buffalo Nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel, a durable alloy intended for everyday circulation. While effective for wear resistance, the metal mix also made the coin prone to soft strikes and planchet issues, which makes a sharply struck, well-preserved example like this one all the more impressive. Over the years, Buffalo Nickels often suffered from worn dates and weakly struck devices, so collectors prize examples that survive with strong details and unblemished fields. This MS65 piece has avoided the pitfalls of circulation and handling, its pristine surfaces locked in an airtight, tamper-resistant PCGS holder.
For collectors, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel in PCGS MS65 condition offers an excellent balance of historical appeal, aesthetic beauty, and market stability. It serves as a representative of a pivotal moment in U.S. coinage when artistry and national identity converged. Whether held as a key component in a complete Buffalo Nickel set or as a standalone type coin, this example stands as a proud testament to the Mint’s craftsmanship and Fraser’s iconic vision. Its Gem grade status confirms its elite quality and enduring value in the competitive field of American numismatics.
In conclusion, the Certified 1916 Buffalo Nickel MS65 PCGS is an extraordinary specimen from one of the most popular series in U.S. coinage history. Its detailed strike, brilliant luster, and high-grade certification affirm its superior quality and collector appeal. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint’s largest mintage year for the series, this piece represents the ideal combination of availability and excellence. PCGS certification ensures confidence in its authenticity and grade, and its condition ensures that Fraser’s timeless design remains fully appreciated. It is a distinguished addition to any collection of early 20th-century American coinage.