The 1928-D Buffalo nickel is a prime example of a mid-series coin in the beautiful Buffalo nickel series. Minted at the Denver Mint in 1928, many of these coins hold tremendous value due to their age and overall appeal with collectors. However, at almost a century old, this coin is hard to find in great condition. The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most iconic coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint, with a timeless American design crafted by celebrated sculptor James Earle Fraser.
How are Coin Values Determined?
For any coin collector, the grade and condition of the coin play an important role in determining their value. Coins fall into several number grades, but are often referred to as being in “good,” “fine,” “extremely fine,” or “uncirculated,” condition. Uncirculated condition, sometimes referred to as mint condition, means there are absolutely no signs of wear and tear on the coin and were never used in circulation. Extremely fine coins may have experienced light use, but were plucked for a collection early on in its lifetime. The difference between a fine and a good coin is that good coins are often incredibly worn, with many of the distinct features no longer being present on the coin.
1928-D Buffalo Nickel Worth
Finding a 1928-D Buffalo nickel in great condition is important to many collectors. Like many older coins, the value is tied to the condition of the coin. Stay on the lookout for clear edges on the design, and a clear engraving of the date, mint mark, and cent-value. Highly circulated coins go for, on average, around six dollars - making this an affordable coin to kick off a collection. However, because these coins are so old, so few of them have survived in excellent condition, and a mint condition coin is valued up to sixty dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1928
Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 6,436,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters