How To Identify The 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel FS-101
Why This Buffalo Nickel Gets So Much Attention
The 1916 doubled die Buffalo nickel is one of the key error varieties in the entire Buffalo nickel series. PCGS lists it as 1916 5C DDO, FS-101, with a Philadelphia mintage of 63,498,066 regular 1916 nickels. Only a tiny fraction are the doubled die variety collectors are trying to find.
Collectors sometimes call it the 1916/16 Buffalo nickel because the date can look like it has a second, offset date. That nickname is useful for search, but the coin is not an overdate. It is a doubled die obverse made from misaligned hub impressions before the die struck coins.
Where To Look For The Doubling
Start with the date. Heritage Auctions has described the variety as pivoted hub doubling, and the date is where the spread is easiest for most collectors to see. On a strong example, the extra impression appears around the numerals instead of looking like flat shelf-like machine doubling.
Check the entire obverse after the date. The profile, nearby lettering, and other design details may help support the attribution, but the date area is the quickest first screen. Because Buffalo nickel dates wear down quickly, a weak or acid-restored date can make attribution much harder.
How Much Is A 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel Worth?
Value depends on grade, surfaces, eye appeal, and whether the coin is certified. NGC's price guide, as of June 2026, placed circulated 1916 doubled die Buffalo nickels roughly from $3,000 to $47,500. PCGS CoinFacts lists a $138,000 MS63 Heritage auction record for the FS-101 listing.
Those numbers should not be treated as a promise for every coin. A damaged, cleaned, corroded, or weak-date example can sell for less, while a sharp Mint State coin with strong doubling can attract serious registry and variety demand.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Do not assume every 1916 Buffalo nickel is the doubled die variety.
- Do not mistake flat machine doubling for a true doubled die obverse.
- Do not clean the coin or use harsh chemicals to force the date to show.
- Do not price a raw coin like a certified PCGS or NGC example.
If the date is readable and the doubling looks strong, compare it with PCGS, NGC, or major-auction photos before taking the next step. For a coin this valuable, certification is usually the cleanest path before selling.
Sources checked: PCGS CoinFacts for 1916 5C DDO FS-101, NGC Coin Explorer price guide, and Heritage Auctions doubled die obverse descriptions.