1928 Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS66

The 1928 Buffalo Nickel is a classic mid-series issue of one of America’s most iconic coin designs. Sculptor James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel, first introduced in 1913, remains one of the most distinctly American coinage creations. With its bold images of a Native American on the obverse and a mighty bison on the reverse, the design captured the spirit of the early 20th century and quickly became one of the most beloved coins ever produced by the United States Mint.

The 1928 issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced a mintage of 23,411,000 nickels that year. While this is not an especially low production number, most of the coins were released directly into circulation, where they endured years of heavy use. The Buffalo Nickel series is notorious for striking issues, with details that often appear soft even on uncirculated pieces. As a result, finding a coin from this mintage with sharp detail, strong luster, and superb preservation is far more difficult than the raw numbers might suggest.

The example offered here has been certified MS66 by PCGS, placing it solidly in the Gem category and among the finest surviving representatives of the date. At this level, the coin displays vibrant luster, crisp detail, and exceptional eye appeal. Liberty’s profile on the obverse retains sharp features, with intricate elements of the feather and hair visible. On the reverse, the great American bison is presented in full, with its shaggy coat and powerful stance rendered in impressive clarity.

The grade of MS66 is a remarkable achievement for this issue. Most survivors, even those that escaped heavy circulation, fall into the lower Mint State levels due to nicks, abrasions, or lack of striking sharpness. Coins graded MS66 or higher represent only a small fraction of the original mintage. They are scarce in absolute terms and command strong demand from collectors who prize quality.

The artistry of the Buffalo Nickel adds significantly to the appeal of this piece. Fraser’s design was a departure from the more conservative coinage of the late 19th century, and it sought to honor the nation’s heritage and frontier history. The Native American portrait on the obverse is believed to be a composite of three different tribal leaders, giving the design both symbolic and historical depth. The reverse bison, modeled after the animal “Black Diamond” from the Central Park Zoo in New York, embodies strength and endurance. Together, these designs created a coin that was instantly recognizable and deeply tied to the American identity.

For collectors, the 1928 Philadelphia issue represents an attractive opportunity to acquire a classic Buffalo Nickel from the late 1920s in exceptional condition. While the date itself is not considered a key rarity, condition rarity makes high-grade examples such as this one especially desirable. In MS66, the coin achieves a level of preservation that allows the design to shine in nearly its full glory, making it a standout in any type set or Buffalo Nickel registry collection.

The combination of quality, artistry, and history makes this 1928 Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS66 an excellent choice for advanced collectors. It offers a chance to secure a Gem-quality example of one of the most celebrated American coin designs without reaching the stratospheric price levels of the rarest dates in the series. It is the kind of coin that anchors a collection, appealing equally to those who value technical grade, aesthetic beauty, and historical importance.

In summary, the 1928 Buffalo Nickel PCGS MS66 is a coin that exemplifies the very best of what the series has to offer. With its strong strike, vibrant luster, and Gem preservation, it is far more than a routine date. It is a superb representative of Fraser’s legendary design and a treasure for collectors who seek both quality and meaning in their coins.