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The 1928 Buffalo Nickel is a significant issue within the Indian Head Nickel series, a range of coins minted by the United States from 1913 to 1938. This series, designed by James Earle Fraser, is highly regarded for its depiction of Native American culture and American wildlife. The 1928 edition holds a special place in the collection for its historical context, design elements, and minting details.
James Earle Fraser’s design for the Buffalo Nickel features a profile of a Native American chief on the obverse. Fraser’s work is renowned for its artistic interpretation rather than a direct portrait of a specific individual. The chief is depicted with a detailed headdress adorned with feathers, conveying a sense of dignity and strength. The word "LIBERTY" arches above the chief’s profile, while the date "1928" is placed directly below the bust. The overall design is intended to evoke the spirit of the American West and Native American heritage, reflecting Fraser’s vision of the country's past.
The reverse of the 1928 Buffalo Nickel depicts a bison standing on a mound of earth, a symbol of American wildlife and the frontier spirit. Fraser’s portrayal of the bison is both realistic and symbolic, emphasizing the animal's role in American history. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS" frame the bison, reinforcing the coin's denomination and national identity. The bison’s central positioning and the design elements surrounding it highlight the significance of the American frontier and its wildlife.
The 1928 Buffalo Nickel was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, one of the main facilities for coin production in the early 20th century. The Philadelphia Mint is known for its high standards in coin production, and the Buffalo Nickel was struck with precision and attention to detail. The absence of a mintmark on the 1928 Buffalo Nickel indicates that it was produced in Philadelphia, as opposed to other mints like Denver or San Francisco, which used specific mintmarks to denote their location.
The total mintage of the 1928 Buffalo Nickel was approximately 4,556,000 coins. This figure reflects the demand for the coin during its production period and the capacity of the Philadelphia Mint to meet that demand. The 1928 Buffalo Nickel's mintage is relatively moderate, making it an attractive piece for collectors due to its balanced rarity and availability compared to other years in the series.
In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1928 Buffalo Nickel shows a moderate amount of wear while still preserving much of its original detail. On the obverse, the profile of the Native American chief remains distinct, though the finer details of the headdress and the inscription "LIBERTY" may exhibit some wear. The date "1928" below the bust is generally clear, but it might be slightly softened. On the reverse, the bison retains its overall shape and prominence, but the details of the mound of earth and the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS" may show some light wear. The coin may have minor surface marks or scratches consistent with its age and circulation history.
The 1928 Buffalo Nickel in Extra Fine condition is a noteworthy addition to any numismatic collection. Its historical importance, combined with the artistic design by James Earle Fraser and the moderate mintage, makes it a valuable piece for collectors. The coin’s depiction of American heritage and wildlife, along with its well-preserved state in Extra Fine condition, ensures its continued appeal among enthusiasts and collectors of American coins.