Lot 1311
1916 Buffalo Nickel. PCGS graded Proof 68. Tied for finest graded at PCGS. A hint of light tone, quite attractive. Boldly strike. A wonderful coin.
Proof coins of the Indian head/buffalo nickel type were struck for sale to collectors from 1913 through 1916 and again in 1936 and 1937. The Proof five-cent pieces of 1913-16 are normally referred to as "matte" Proofs, but this term is misleading. True matte Proofs have a dullish finish completely dissimilar to the surfaces of normal circulation strikes, and this technique of Proofing using a sandblast process was used by the Mint exclusively for its gold coinage of 1908 and 1911-15, as well as for isolated issues of later years that were not sold publicly, such as commemorative half dollars.
The Proof nickels of 1913-16, like the cents of those years, possess a lovely satin finish. This varies in texture slightly from one date to the next and even within a single year’s coinage. When found pristine Proof 68, these coins are extremely beautiful and visibly distinctive from currency strikes.
An very bright and lustrous gem that you can use as a benchmark for other examples that share this towering grade. The strike is forthright and crisp, it is only resolutely full, razor-sharp in other words, without doubt all head and shoulder details are clear. Pop 7; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 3993)
Note: Mint engraver Charles E. Barber again modified the design in 1916 after the earlier switch from a mound (Type 1). Coins of 1916-38 might almost be called "Type 3": LIBERTY is henceforth much sharper, the Indian's nose longer, and many other details have again been changed. Striking quality on the business strikes still suffered, though not on the Proofs, which are always bold; and resistance to wear is still problematic, dates becoming quickly illegible once in circulation. (Some mintmarked nickels 1918-35 are virtually unknown well struck.). Estimated Value $10,000-UP
The Gerald Forsythe Duplicate Buffalo Nickel Collection.
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| Realized $23,000 |
