The 2016-S Richard Nixon Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $5 in Proof condition to over $50 in high-grade Deep Cameo preservation. While most of these coins were produced for collectors rather than for general circulation, finding one in your change is a lucky discovery that carries a premium over its face value.
| Coin Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 DCAM (Near Perfect) | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| PR 70 DCAM (Perfect Specimen) | $45.00 – $85.00 |
Understanding the 2016-S Richard Nixon Presidential Dollar
If you have stumbled upon a 2016 Richard Nixon dollar with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a piece of history from the final year of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. By 2016, the United States Mint had stopped producing these coins for everyday circulation due to a massive surplus in government vaults. Consequently, every 2016-S Nixon dollar was specifically struck for collectors and sold in official sets.
If you aren’t sure if your coin is a genuine collector’s item or just a shiny gold-colored dollar, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the strike type and mint mark in seconds. The “S” signifies that the coin was minted in San Francisco, a facility famous for producing high-quality “Proof” coins.
Modern collectors value the Nixon dollar because it represents the end of an era. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) versions, the S-mint coins feature a mirrored finish and frosted details, making them stand out in any collection. When you use CoinHix to scan your collection, you’ll notice that these Proof versions consistently hold a higher baseline value than their circulation-strike counterparts.
Identifying Features and Proof Coin Characteristics
To properly determine the 2016-S Nixon Presidential Dollar value, you must first verify its physical characteristics. The obverse (front) of the coin features an image of Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, his name, the years he served (1969-1974), and the phrase “In God We Trust.” The reverse showcases a majestic Statue of Liberty, used across the entire Presidential series.
One unique feature of this series is the edge-incused lettering. Unlike quarters or dimes, the year of mintage “2016,” the mint mark “S,” and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved on the edge of the coin. If the edge is worn smooth, the value drops significantly. Professionals look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effects, where the portrait looks white and frosted against a black, mirror-like background.
Checking the 2016 Presidential and Sacagawea dollar price data reveals that the San Francisco proofs are generally more desirable than the high-mintage business strikes. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has never been touched by dirty fingers, it might be a top-tier specimen.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mintage Location | San Francisco (S) |
| Composition | 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel |
| Edge Lettering | 2016-S, E Pluribus Unum |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
How Condition Influences the Richard Nixon Dollar Value
For everyday Americans, “condition” might just mean “clean,” but for numismatists, it is a science. Most 2016-S Nixon dollars were sold in plastic lenses within Proof Sets. If someone broke the set open and spent the coin, it rapidly loses value as it gains scratches and loses its luster. A coin that has been circulated—meaning used at a grocery store or vending machine—will typically only be worth $1 to $2, even with the “S” mint mark.
However, if your coin has stayed in its original packaging or was immediately placed in a protective holder, its value increases. A grade of PR 69 (out of 70) is quite common for these coins. The real money lies in the “Perfect 70” grade. A PR 70 Deep Cameo coin is flawless under 5x magnification, making it highly sought after by registry set collectors.
By using the CoinHix app, you can compare your coin’s appearance to high-resolution photos of graded examples. This helps you decide if it’s worth paying the $20-$30 fee to have a professional service like PCGS or NGC officially grade it. You can find detailed 2016 dollar coin value information on various platforms that show how much the market is currently paying for these specific Nixon releases.
Rarity and Mintage Figures for 2016-S Dollars
The rarity of a coin is often the biggest driver of its price. In 2016, the San Francisco mint produced roughly 1,190,045 Richard Nixon Proof dollars. While over a million sounds like a lot, it is quite small compared to the hundreds of millions of coins produced for circulation in previous years, such as the George Washington or Abraham Lincoln dollars.
Because these were the “last of their kind,” many collectors held onto them, keeping the supply of high-grade examples steady. However, the Nixon dollar is part of a specific three-coin set for 2016 (Nixon, Ford, and Reagan), which were the final three Presidents eligible for the program at that time. This “final year” status adds a layer of collectible appeal that earlier, more common years lack.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Approximate Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Business Strike (NIFC) | 4,480,000 |
| D (Denver) | Business Strike (NIFC) | 5,460,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Collector Proof | 1,190,045 |
Potential Mint Errors to Look For
While Proof coins are struck under high pressure with hand-polished dies—making errors extremely rare—they are not impossible. Error hunters look for “Missing Edge Lettering” on 2016 dollars, though this was primarily an issue with earlier years like 2007. For the 2016-S, the most likely “error” is actually a “mishap” like a struck-through piece of dust or a minor die crack.
Another area of interest is “Position A” vs “Position B” edge lettering. This refers to the orientation of the writing on the side of the coin relative to the President’s portrait. However, for Proof coins like the 2016-S, the edge lettering is usually consistent across the board. If you find a Nixon dollar that appears to be missing its edge lettering entirely, you could be looking at a coin worth hundreds of dollars.
Always use your CoinHix scanner to look for doubling on the letters or the President’s eye. Doubled die errors on modern Proof coins are rare “holy grails” for collectors and can turn a $5 coin into a $500 treasure.
Where to Sell Your 2016-S Richard Nixon Dollar
If you’ve determined that your coin is a high-grade specimen, you might be wondering where to cash in. For coins worth under $20, eBay is often the most accessible platform. Listings for individual 2016-S Proof dollars are common, and they usually sell quickly to collectors who are trying to fill a hole in their Presidential Dollar folders.
For coins that are professionally graded PR 70 DCAM, you might consider reaching out to a local coin shop or a specialized numismatic auction house. Because these coins represent the final year of the series, there is a dedicated market of “completionist” collectors who want the best possible version of every President.
Remember to keep your coin in a PVC-free flip or its original housing. Handling the coin with bare hands can leave oils that cause “haze” or spotting, which can drop the price by 50% or more. A pristine Nixon dollar is an investment in the history of the U.S. Mint, and keeping it safe is the key to maintaining its value.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2016 Nixon Dollar made of real gold?
A: No, despite their golden color, these coins do not contain any real gold. They are made of a copper core with a manganese-brass outer layer. Their value comes from their collectibility, not their metal content.
Q: Why does my Nixon dollar have writing on the side?
A: This is called edge-incused lettering. In 2016, the mint placed the date, the mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” on the edge to allow for larger portraits on the face of the coin.
Q: Can I spend a 2016-S Richard Nixon Dollar?
A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly $1 at any store. However, because it is a collector’s Proof coin worth at least $5 to $10 in most cases, spending it at face value is not recommended.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 2016 Nixon Dollar?
A: Unlike most coins where the mint mark is on the face, the “S” on the 2016 Nixon dollar is engraved into the edge (the rim) of the coin.
Q: What is the most valuable version of this coin?
A: The most valuable version is a PCGS or NGC certified PR 70 Deep Cameo. These perfect specimens can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the current market demand.