1916 Buffalo Nickel. FS-101. Doubled Die Obverse. EF Details--Obverse Planchet Flaw (NGC).An attractive and original example of this dramatic blunder. The complexion exhibits a light golden patina across otherwise dove-grey surfaces. Significant luster remains in the protected areas of both sides, with just light evidence of friction atop the high points. Well struck and problem free, featuring an oblong planchet flaw near the center of the obverse that is as-struck. The rarity of this issue in all grades is attributed to the considerable time that elapsed between its creation and its discovery by collectors. The first published report of the 1916 Doubled Die Obverse appeared in the July 1962 edition of emThe Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine/em, and even then it was not until the mid-1970s that most collectors took notice. Since then it has become known as the rarest blundered die variety in the Buffalo nickel series, handily eclipsing the 1917/8-D and, especially, the popular 1937-D 3-Legged. Estimates on the number of survivors range from a couple of hundred to perhaps 400 examples. The vast majority of these are in lower circulated grades, and the present example represents superior sharpness for the issue. Advanced collectors, be they variety specialists or Buffalo nickel enthusiasts, are sure to compete vigorously for the chance to acquire this important rarity.
