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The 2016-S Richard M. Nixon Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulating condition to over $50 in high-grade proof sets. While these modern golden dollars were not issued for general circulation, finding one in your change or a desk drawer is a fascinating discovery for any casual collector.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (MS63-MS65) | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Choice Proof (PR69) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Perfect Proof (PR70 DCAM) | $45.00 – $110.00 |
The History and Background of the 2016-S Nixon Dollar
The Richard M. Nixon Presidential $1 Coin was released in 2016 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This initiative, which began in 2007, sought to honor every deceased U.S. President with a unique golden-colored dollar coin. By the time 2016 rolled around, the program was nearing its conclusion, and public demand for dollar coins had leveled off significantly.
Because of a surplus of earlier releases sitting in Federal Reserve vaults, the U.S. Mint stopped producing these coins for general circulation in late 2011. This means the 2016-S Nixon Dollar was exclusively produced for collectors. If you are trying to identify a mystery coin you’ve found, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if you have the “S” mint mark version from San Francisco or the standard “P” or “D” versions.
The Nixon dollar features a portrait of the 37th President on the obverse (front) and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. Unlike older coins, the date, mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are inscribed on the edge of the coin. This unique design element makes the 2016-S Nixon Dollar stand out, but it can also lead to rare “missing edge lettering” errors, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts using tools like CoinKnow.
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Understanding the “S” Mint Mark and Coin Grades
The “S” mint mark on your 2016 Nixon dollar indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins which were sold in uncirculated rolls and bags, the San Francisco coins were primarily struck as “Proofs.” Proof coins are created using a special manufacturing process involving polished dies and planchets to produce a mirror-like background and frosted foreground.
For everyday Americans, knowing the grade of your coin is the key to determining its price. A coin that has been handled and shows scratches is considered “circulated,” even though these weren’t spent at stores. A “Proof” coin that remains in its original plastic lens from the Mint is far more valuable. You can check the latest 2016 presidential and native american dollar auction results to see how much premium collectors pay for these high-grade specimens.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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While most 2016-S coins are Proofs, the Mint also produced a few special finishes for silver sets and other collector products. Determining the exact finish can be tricky for a novice, which is why the CoinKnow app is a favorite among hobbyists for quick identification. A perfect grade of PR70 Deep Cameo is the “holy grail” for this specific coin, often fetching a significant premium at auction compared to a standard PR69.
| Mint Mark | Strike Type | Mintage (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-P | Business Strike (Uncirculated) | 5,460,000 |
| 2016-D | Business Strike (Uncirculated) | 4,480,000 |
| 2016-S | Proof | Collectors Only |
What Makes the 2016-S Nixon Dollar Rare or Valuable?
In the world of modern coinage, rarity isn’t just about how old a coin is, but how many were made and how many survived in perfect condition. Because the 2016-S Nixon Dollar was never released into bank rolls for the public, the total supply is much lower than the Quarters or Dimes you use at the vending machine. This inherent scarcity provides a “floor” for its value.
However, the real money is in the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation. This refers to the intense contrast between the shiny field and the matte portrait of Nixon. Collectors often use the CoinKnow mobile app to compare their coins against high-resolution images to see if their find reaches this elite status. If your coin has even a fingerprint on it, the value can drop from $50 down to $5 instantly.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Another factor is whether the coin is part of a complete 2016 Proof Set. Often, individual coins are “broken out” of these sets to be sold separately. If you find a 2016-S Nixon dollar loose in a coin jar, it likely escaped from one of these sets. Understanding the market price for 2016 San Francisco minted dollars is essential before you decide to sell it to a local dealer or online.
Common Errors to Look for on Nixon Dollars
One of the most exciting parts of coin collecting is hunting for mistakes. While the U.S. Mint is very efficient, errors do happen. For the Presidential Dollar series, the most famous errors involve the edge lettering. Occasionally, a coin would skip the machine that rolls the “2016 S” and “E Pluribus Unum” onto the side of the coin.
An “S” Mint Nixon dollar with missing edge lettering would be an extremely rare and valuable find, likely worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the grade. These are often called “Satin Finish” or “Smooth Edge” errors. Other errors might include “doubled dies,” where the image or text appears to be shifted or doubled.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you think you see something strange on your coin, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use a magnifying glass or a high-quality camera to zoom in on the details. Most common “errors” found by beginners are actually just post-mint damage, such as scratches or wear, but it’s always worth checking a price guide or using an app to be sure.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Edge Lettering | Edge of the coin is completely smooth | $100 – $500+ |
| Double Struck | Design appears twice on the coin | Highly Variable |
| Die Crack | Raised lines on the surface from a broken die | $5 – $20 |
Where to Sell Your 2016 Nixon Dollar
Once you’ve determined that your 2016-S Nixon dollar is in good condition, you might wonder where to sell it. For a single coin worth $5 to $15, an online auction site like eBay is often your best bet. Collectors looking to fill holes in their Presidential sets often browse these listings daily. Make sure to take clear, well-lit photos of both sides and the edge.
If you believe you have a “Perfect 70” graded coin or a significant error, you should consider having it professionaly “slabbed” (authenticated and graded) by a service like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin is much easier to sell for a high price because the buyer has a guarantee of its quality. Local coin shops are another option, though they will typically offer you “wholesale” prices so they can make a profit on the resale.
Finally, don’t overlook the community. Numerous forums and social media groups are dedicated to Presidential Dollars. Sharing your find there can lead to a quick sale or helpful advice on whether your coin is worth the cost of professional grading. Just remember that for most 2016-S dollars found by chance, the value is modest but still significantly higher than the $1 face value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Is It Worth Keeping Your Nixon Dollar?
Many people choose to keep these coins not for their monetary value, but as a hobby or a piece of history. The 2016-S Nixon dollar represents a specific era in American minting history where the transition from “circulation” to “collector-only” was finalized for the dollar coin. It is a beautiful piece of art with a golden hue that looks great in any collection.
If you are building a full set of Presidential Dollars, the 2016-S is an essential piece. Because 2016 was the final year of the regular series (before the posthumous George H.W. Bush coin was added later), these final issues like Nixon and Gerald Ford tend to have higher interest than the early 2007 issues like Washington or Adams.
In summary, while you probably won’t retire on the proceeds of a single 2016-S Nixon Dollar, it is a valuable collector’s item worth 4 to 100 times its face value. Keep it safe from scratches, avoid touching the surfaces with your fingers, and enjoy the thrill of owning a piece of the San Francisco Mint’s limited production.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2016 Nixon dollar gold? Is it real gold?
A: No, the coin does not contain any real gold. It is made of a manganese-brass alloy over a pure copper core. The manganese gives it the distinct golden color, but the metal itself is not precious.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Can I spend a 2016-S Nixon Dollar at the store?
A: Yes, it is legal tender for one dollar. However, you should not spend it! Since its collector value is at least $3-$5 even in average condition, you would be losing money by using it at face value.
Q: Where is the date and mint mark on the coin?
A: Unlike most coins where the date is on the front or back, the 2016-S Nixon Dollar has its date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” engraved on the edge (the side) of the coin.
Q: Is there a 2016-S Nixon silver dollar?
A: No. While the Mint sells “Silver Proof Sets,” the Presidential Dollars in those sets are still made of the standard base-metal manganese-brass alloy. They are not struck in silver.