5/3/25 2:21 PM
Gold: $3,240.14
Silver: $31.99
Platinum: $963.20
Palladium: $952.25
G/S: 101.29
Pt/G: 0.30
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map11005 Olive Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63141
phone 314-692-2646 email Email
hoursMon - Fri: 8am to 5pm (CT)
Sat: 8am - 4pm (CT)
Lot #: Go
Lot Title: 1916/16 (Doubled Die Obverse) NGC XF-45
Lot Number: 265
Description: The F. Raphael Collection. Enjoying a famous die variety at this exceptional level of preservation within a classic series presents an opportunity to appreciate in “high definition” just what it is that makes the anomaly such a compelling collector’s item. In this case, one gets to view how the spread affects not only the date, but also creates a double impression of all three feathers on the left, while the portrait and LIBERTY on the other side of the obverse show, at best, only the mildest distortion. Variance in the degree of doubling throughout the design is due to this being Class V, or “pivot” doubling, such that the doubled impression in the hub was “pivoted” around a point near the obverse right rim. This is different from case of the 1955 doubled-die cent, which has the doubling pivoted about the center, creating an equivalent degree of doubling all around the periphery.

Adding to appeal in this specific instance, the iron-grey color could not be more perfect for a 5-cent nickel of any date with natural surfaces, nor could one ask for much better sharpness of a coin that has experienced fifteen points of circulation. It is just enough wear to soften the finest detail levels, while leaving the boldest elements untouched. Perhaps two near-invisible contact points get lost in the hair and prove completely non-intrusive, while the reverse shows no marks really at all, although a pair of old, toned-in hairlines can be found at the bison's hindquarters. Interestingly, this side (the reverse) also displays near-horizontal striae in the planchet, certainly as-struck, and less pronounced on the highpoints, where honest circulation has rubbed them away.

David Lange, in his excellent reference, suggests that the first mention of the discovery of the 1916 doubled-die nickel first appeared in 1962 in a manuscript published in The Numismatic Scrapbook. Because the variety was apparently ignored until then, the nickels were permitted to circulate to an extent that many are in low grade; indeed, a number of acid-treated examples have appeared on the market in recent years, derived from dateless coins of the AG to VG details grade range. Thus, we say with confidence that the NGC XF-45 assessment does, indeed, indicate a coin of “high grade”, with corresponding interest expected of prospective bidders.

References - The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels, 2nd Edition
PCGS #: 3931
Certification: 2687405-001
Estimate: $15,000-$20,000
Lot Status: Bidding has been closed for this lot.
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Hammered Price: $15,250
Price Realized: $17,538

Please Note: An 18% Buyers' Premium is added to the hammer price of all lots in this sale.

1916/16 (Doubled Die Obverse) NGC XF-45
1916/16 (Doubled Die Obverse) NGC XF-45
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