1928 Buffalo Nickel: Rarity, Errors, and What It Is Worth

The 1928 Buffalo Nickel is a coin that is desirable by many numismatists. But why? When you find out the true 1928 Nickel value, you will realize that it can be rewarding. 

Some versions are common, while others, like the 1928-S Buffalo Nickel, can cost hundreds. Even seemingly ordinary pieces might have hidden 1928 Buffalo Nickel error varieties that make them highly sought after. 

So, how much is a 1928 Buffalo Nickel worth today? And how can an online coin identifier help understand it?

First of all, it is necessary to learn the basics: 

The History Behind

The 1928 Indian Head Buffalo Nickel was part of the Buffalo Nickel series, which ran from 1913 to 1938. This design was revolutionary at the time, as it replaced the Liberty Head one with an American theme.

The Native American portrait on the obverse is said to be a composite of three real-life tribal leaders: Two Moons (Cheyenne), Iron Tail (Sioux) and Big Tree (Kiowa). The reverse features a bison, often mistaken for a buffalo, modeled after Black Diamond, a resident of the Central Park Zoo in New York.

In 1928, the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints produced these nickels, with Philadelphia producing the highest quantity. Due to their extensive circulation, many surviving coins show heavy wear. That is why high-grade examples are rare and valuable.

Design and Composition

The 1928 Buffalo Head Nickel’s obverse features a Native American with realistic hair braids, high cheekbones and strong facial contours. To the right of the portrait, the date is displayed. Due to the raised nature of the design, the date often wears down quickly. This leaves many older nickels dateless.

On the reverse, an American bison stands tall, with “FIVE CENTS” beneath its hooves. The coin's mint mark (if present) is located below the words ‘FIVE CENTS.’ The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is engraved above the buffalo’s back.

Where is the Mint Mark on a 1928 Buffalo Nickel?

It can be found just below the denomination “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. Coins without a mint mark were struck in Philadelphia, while those with a “D” or “S” were minted in Denver and San Francisco, respectively.

1928 Indian Head Nickel Value

Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change based on market trends and collector demand.

Mint Mark Descriptions

Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark): The most common, with over 23 million produced. These are readily available in lower grades but are difficult to find in mint state.

Denver Mint (D): Far fewer were produced, making them rarer in higher grades. The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is sought after by collectors, especially in Extremely Fine or better condition.

San Francisco Mint (S): The 1928-S Buffalo Nickel is the rarest of the three, with fewer high-grade survivors. A well-preserved 1928-S can command premium prices.

1928 Buffalo Nickel Error Coins and Their Values

Error coins can significantly impact a coin's value. Some notable errors include:

Double Die Obverse (DDO): The obverse features a doubling effect on the date and lettering. These can be worth between $50 and $400, depending on condition.

Off-Center Strikes: If the design is misaligned, the value can range from $100 to $500, depending on the extent of the error.

Clipped Planchet: A coin with a missing section due to an incomplete punch. Values range from $30 to $200.

Die Cracks or Cuds: Raised lines or missing parts of the design due to die wear. These errors can bring $50 to $300.

Struck Through Errors: When foreign material affects the strike, making an indent or smooth area. Value varies based on severity but often $75-$250.

Coin Grading for the 1928 Buffalo Nickel

The value of a coin is largely determined by its grade. Professional coin graders use the Sheldon Scale to assess conditions. Below are the key grading categories for this coin:

• Good (G-4 to G-6): Heavy wear, with the design mostly visible but lacking finer details. The date and some lettering may be partially worn away.

• Fine (F-12 to F-15): Moderate wear but more details remain. The Native American’s hair braid and some facial features are still visible. The buffalo’s body has some detail.

• Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35): Even wear but with more sharp details. The buffalo’s fur texture and the Native American’s hair braids are more distinct.

• Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): Slight wear on high points, but most of the intricate details remain. The coin retains some original luster.

• About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Only minor traces of wear, primarily on the highest points of the design. The fields still show luster.

• Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear, with full original luster and sharp, undisturbed details. The higher the grade, the more pristine the coin appears, the higher the value of a 1928 Buffalo Nickel is.

Collectors and investors look for uncirculated or high-grade examples due to their rarity and increased value.

How to Identify Your Numismatic Treasures

If you have a coin and want to verify its value, Coin ID Scanner is an excellent tool. This app allows users to:

• Instantly identify coins using advanced image recognition.

• Manage coins in in-app storages. 

• Compatible with iOS and Android - accessible for all collectors.

The value of a coin discussed depends on several factors, e.g., mint mark, condition and potential errors. Many circulated examples are worth just a few dollars, but high-grade and rare error versions can sell for hundreds. 

If you come across a coin and think that it may have a high 1928 Buffalo Nickel value no mint mark, check its condition and compare it to the pricing chart above. For precise evaluations, consider consulting with specialists to ensure you are getting the most out of your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I find a rare 1928 Buffalo Nickel error? 

Have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC and consider selling it through an auction for the best price. Or you may add it to your collection. 

Where can I sell my 1928 Buffalo Nickel? 

Coin dealers, online marketplaces like eBay and auction houses specializing in rare coins are great options.

What is the 1928 E Buffalo Nickel value and 1928 F Buffalo Nickel value?

The coin was minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco only.

Regarding the "1928 E" and "1928 F" Buffalo Nickels, there are no known mint marks or varieties corresponding to these letters. The U.S. Mints used "D" for Denver and "S" for San Francisco, while coins from the Philadelphia Mint typically lack a mint mark. It is possible that "E" and "F" refer to condition grades:

1. E: Could denote "Extremely Fine" (EF or XF) with light wear on the coin's high points.

2. F: Likely stands for "Fine," where moderate wear is evident, but major details remain clear.

In the grading scale, "Fine" is below "Extremely Fine." For example, a 1928 Buffalo Nickel in Fine condition might be valued around $2.50, while in Extremely Fine condition, it could be worth approximately $15.

Sources:

1. https://www.coinstudy.com/1928-nickel-value.html

2. https://bullionsharks.com/1928-buffalo-nickel/