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1916-D

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 13,333,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1275

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About this coinHistory

Denver struck 13,333,000 Buffalo nickels in 1916, a substantial production year that places the 1916-D firmly in the common-date category. The coin is available in circulated grades and accessible in Mint State through major dealer inventories at modest premiums. Strike characteristics are variable, and specialists note that Denver production in 1916 improved somewhat over earlier years.

Collectors building complete Buffalo nickel sets acquire the 1916-D without extraordinary difficulty. The coin fills its slot in the date-and-mint sequence as a mid-series production year that presents no particular challenges. Well-struck Gem examples are available at modest premiums over common-date baselines.

For high-grade specialists, the 1916-D is one of the more accessible Denver Buffalo nickels from the pre-1920 era. The combination of substantial mintage and slightly improved Denver strike quality makes finding satisfactory MS65 or better examples achievable through patient searching and willingness to examine multiple candidates.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $19.50 $23
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $28 $32
F-12 Fine (F) $33 $38
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $40 $46
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $73 $84
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $96 $111
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $141 $163
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $290 $310
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1916-D Buffalo Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $19.50–$23, rising to roughly $141–$163 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1916-D Buffalo Nickels were minted?
13,333,000 were struck.
What is a 1916-D Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1916-D Buffalo Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.