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- Product ID: 18076
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is an iconic piece of American currency that holds both historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Part of the popular Buffalo Nickel series, this coin was minted during the final years of the series' production, which ran from 1913 to 1938. The series itself was designed by James Earle Fraser, a renowned sculptor who created a design that has become one of the most beloved in U.S. coinage history. The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is particularly notable due to its position in the series and its relatively low mintage compared to some other years. The minting of this coin took place during a period of economic recovery in the United States following the turmoil of the Great Depression, making it an interesting snapshot of the country’s financial history during that time.
The design of the Buffalo Nickel is one of the most celebrated in American coinage. On the obverse of the coin, Fraser depicted a Native American chief, represented in profile, wearing a traditional headdress. This image was not intended to represent any single individual but was meant to symbolize the indigenous peoples of the United States. Surrounding this image are the words “LIBERTY” and the date “1928” at the bottom, while the reverse of the coin features an American bison, commonly known as a buffalo, standing on a mound of earth. The buffalo’s image was inspired by Fraser’s vision of the American West and its vast, untamed landscapes. The reverse also features the denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with a small mintmark indicating the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. The design reflects a strong sense of national pride and the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized early American history.
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint, one of the U.S. Mint facilities that produced coins for the country during the early 20th century. The Denver Mint played a significant role in the minting of coins, especially as the country recovered from the effects of the Great Depression. The Denver Mint, which had been operating since the 1900s, had a reputation for producing high-quality coins, and the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel was no exception. The coin’s mintmark, located on the reverse beneath the buffalo’s tail, signifies that it was produced in Denver rather than the Philadelphia or San Francisco mints, which were the other primary mints for U.S. coins during that time. The mintage of the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel was over 7.5 million coins, making it a relatively moderate production year compared to some of the higher mintage years in the series. However, as the series was nearing its end, the 1928-D remains a valuable and highly sought-after coin for collectors of Buffalo Nickels.
The mintage of the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is noteworthy for its role in the series’ production, though it is not one of the rarest issues. With over 7.5 million coins struck, the 1928-D was produced in fairly large numbers, especially when compared to coins with lower mintage years in the Buffalo Nickel series. Despite this relatively high mintage, the coin’s value has been driven up by its status as a part of the highly collectible Buffalo Nickel series, as well as its condition. Over time, many of the 1928-D coins were worn down through circulation, making well-preserved examples more difficult to find. The rarity of coins in higher grades has made those in excellent condition particularly desirable to collectors. As with most coins, the surviving population of the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel in high-quality grades is relatively small, making coins in better condition more valuable and harder to come by on the market today.
The condition of the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel, graded as Very Fine, provides a clear and accessible example of this famous coin while still being affordable for collectors. A coin in Very Fine condition has been circulated, showing significant wear, but still retains much of the essential design details. The image of the Native American chief on the obverse remains visible, though the finer details of the headdress and facial features may be worn. Similarly, on the reverse, the buffalo’s features, including its horns and legs, remain distinguishable, but the details are softened from wear. Coins in this grade are desirable because they allow collectors to obtain a significant piece of American numismatic history while still retaining enough clarity and detail for the coin to be clearly identifiable. The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel in Very Fine condition is a great option for those looking to own a representative example of this classic coin without spending a premium for a higher-grade specimen.
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel, while not as rare as some other dates in the series, is still a key coin for collectors who are focused on completing sets of Buffalo Nickels or U.S. coinage from the early 20th century. The coin’s design, which captures the essence of early American identity and the mythology surrounding the nation’s frontier, makes it a highly collectible piece. Its historical significance, tied to the broader context of the Great Depression and the recovery of the U.S. economy, further adds to its appeal. While the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is not as scarce as some other issues in the series, it remains an important coin due to its association with the final years of the Buffalo Nickel series and its distinctive design, which has remained popular with collectors for decades.
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel continues to hold appeal for collectors of U.S. coins, particularly those interested in the Indian Head and Buffalo Nickel series. The series, which was designed by James Earle Fraser, is known for its historical symbolism and artistic merit, and the 1928-D coin fits neatly into this broader narrative. Its depiction of Liberty in a Native American headdress and the powerful image of the buffalo have made the coin one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics. Collectors value the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel for its unique design elements and its role in the larger context of U.S. coinage. As demand for quality examples of coins from this era continues to rise, the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel will likely see continued interest from both collectors and investors alike.
In conclusion, the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel in Very Fine condition is a valuable and historically significant coin within the broader context of U.S. coinage. Its design, which was created by James Earle Fraser, remains one of the most recognized and beloved in American numismatics. The 1928-D issue, while not as rare as some other coins in the Buffalo Nickel series, still holds a special place among collectors due to its status as part of a highly collectible series and its distinctive design. Coins in Very Fine condition offer collectors a way to acquire this important piece of American history at a reasonable price, making the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel an excellent choice for any collection. Whether for its artistic value, historical significance, or investment potential, the 1928-D Buffalo Nickel remains a cherished coin in the world of U.S. numismatics.