1916 Buffalo Nickel. Proof-67 (PCGS). CAC.

1916 Buffalo Nickel. Proof-67 (PCGS). CAC.，This is a beautiful Matte Proof nickel with subtle pinkish-silver highlights on smooth satin surfaces. The strike is razor sharp even over the most intricate design elements. As technically sound and aesthetically appealing as any Proof 1916 nickel that we have ever offered, this coin will be just right for inclusion in the finest specimen type or date set.<p>The early Proof Buffalo nickels of the 1913 to 1916 era were produced with a satin finish that proved unpopular with contemporary collectors who had become accustomed to the cameo and brilliant Proofs of the preceding Liberty Head type. This fact can be seen in the diminishing mintage figures for Proof Buffalo nickels from 1913 to 1916:<p><p>-1913 Type I: 1,520 Proofs<p>-1913 Type II: 1,514 Proofs<p>-1914: 1,275 Proofs<p>-1915: 1,050 Proofs<p>-1916: 600 Proofs<p>Additionally, when the Mint resumed Proof Buffalo nickel production in 1936 it adopted a brilliant finish for approximately one-third of the 4,420 coins struck in 1936 and all 5,679 Proofs struck in 1937.<p>With the lowest mintage of its type, it should come as no surprise that the 1916 is the rarest Proof Buffalo nickel. Survivors are even more elusive than a delivery of 600 pieces might imply, for many unsold examples are believed to have been destroyed through melting when the Mint suspended Proof coin sales at the end of that year. Among the finest certified, this impressive Superb Gem is sure to appeal to astute bidders.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Heritages Long Beach Signature Auction of September 2007, lot 796; via Stacks.，