1916-S 5C (Regular Strike)

Series: Buffalo Five Cents 1913-1938

PCGS MS67+

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PCGS MS67+

PCGS #:: 3933

Designer:: James Earle Fraser

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 21.20 millimeters

Weight:: 5.00 grams

Mintage:: 11,860,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Auction Record:: $35,250 • MS67 • 11-02-2023 • Legend Rare Coin Auctions

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Major Varieties

1916-S 5C

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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.
All Grades	7,500	R-3.5	26 / 69 TIE	26 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	1,400	R-4.8	23 / 69 TIE	23 / 72 TIE
65 or Better	225	R-6.7	23 / 69 TIE	23 / 72 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	7,500
60 or Better	1,400
65 or Better	225

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-3.5
60 or Better	R-4.8
65 or Better	R-6.7

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	26 / 69 TIE
60 or Better	23 / 69 TIE
65 or Better	23 / 69 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	26 / 72 TIE
60 or Better	23 / 72 TIE
65 or Better	23 / 72 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

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

#1 MS67 PCGS grade

#5 MS66+ PCGS grade

#6 MS66 PCGS grade

#6 MS66 PCGS grade

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.