1928-S 5C Buffalo Nickel
The 1928-S Buffalo Nickel holds a distinctive place in numismatic circles due to its historical background, rarity, and the intriguing journey it has had through time. Part of the famous Buffalo Nickel series designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin is a reflection of early 20th-century American culture and artistry.
Mint and Mintage:
Mint: San Francisco
Mintage:** 6,936,000
PCGS #:** 3967
The 1928-S Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint, contributing to a total mintage of 6,936,000 coins. While not the lowest in the series, this particular mintage is considered relatively scarce, especially in higher grades, due to the commonality of circulation wear and challenges in striking quality that were prevalent that year.
Rarity and Collectibility:
The 1928-S Buffalo Nickel is known for its striking difficulties, a characteristic shared among many S-mint Buffalo Nickels from this era. As a result, coins with sharp details and higher grades are highly sought after by collectors. Lower-grade examples are more common but still valued due to their historical significance.
Market Performance and Value:
Collectors often focus on coins graded between VF (Very Fine) and MS (Mint State) conditions. MS examples, specifically in grades MS-65 and above, are particularly rare and command a considerable premium. Recent auction sales have demonstrated the value enthusiasts place on this coin. For instance, an MS-66 specimen can realize substantial prices in major auction platforms, reflecting both its rarity and collector demand. Prices can range prominently from a few hundred dollars in VF to thousands in high MS states.
Historical Significance:
From a numismatic perspective, the 1928-S Buffalo Nickel represents more than just its monetary value. It tells a story of early 20th-century coinage, showcasing a unique artistic period in U.S. Mint history. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel is admired for its distinctive obverse depiction of a Native American and the reverential reverse design featuring an American Bison. Over the years, the series captured the imagination of collectors and numismatists alike, with the 1928-S playing a pivotal role in assembling a comprehensive Buffalo Nickel collection due to its lower-grade circulated examples available and rare high-grade specimens. Dedicated numismatists may note the coin's hallmark of a well-struck obverse with crisp details and a prominently featured bison on the reverse as identifiers of higher-value versions. As a treasured piece of Americana, the 1928-S Buffalo Nickel continues to intrigue collectors, making it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.
