Price Guide for 1928 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $0.75 – $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.15 – $118.50Uncirculated: $22.26 – $2,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $85.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $748.00Uncirculated: $0.60 – $46,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $285.00Uncirculated: $99.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $67,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $816.00Uncirculated: $1,175.00 – $2,040.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $66.00Uncirculated: $1.05 – $11,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.80 – $110.43Uncirculated: $19.05 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1928 Nickel
The 1928 Buffalo Nickel was part of the iconic series that began in 1913 and continued until 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin features a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, symbolizing the American frontier spirit. 1928 was a significant year as it marked the continued economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, just before the stock market crash of 1929.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1928 Buffalo Nickels. Due to the coin’s design, the date and mint mark were prone to wear, making well-preserved examples particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command significant premiums, with those in MS65 or higher being especially rare and sought after.
The quality of the strike is also important, as many Buffalo Nickels from this era suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the bison’s horn and the Indian’s hair details. Full strike examples with sharp details are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 23,411,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 6,436,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 6,936,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Luster and toning can greatly impact a 1928 Buffalo Nickel’s desirability. Coins with original mint luster are more valuable, while those with attractive, natural toning can command premiums. The Denver and San Francisco mint coins, due to their lower mintages, are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts in similar grades.
Error coins, while not common for this year, can be valuable if found. These might include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, or off-center strikes. Additionally, coins with full horn details on the bison are highly sought after and can command significant premiums, especially in higher grades.
