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The Certified Buffalo Nickel 1928 MS64 PCGS is a finely preserved example of one of America’s most iconic coin designs, minted during a year that saw relatively modest production and solid strike quality. Graded Mint State 64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this specimen stands out for its strong eye appeal, lustrous surfaces, and minimal contact marks. As part of the larger Buffalo Nickel series, also known as the Indian Head Nickel series, this 1928 issue combines artistry, historical depth, and collector interest, particularly in high Mint State condition such as MS64. It represents a period in U.S. coinage history when artistic ambition was paramount, even for the lowly five-cent piece.
The Buffalo Nickel series was introduced in 1913 and ran until 1938, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Fraser's intention was to celebrate America's indigenous heritage and frontier past through realistic and powerful imagery. The obverse of the coin features a composite Native American portrait, based on three different individuals from various tribes. The reverse presents a bison—often called a “buffalo” colloquially—believed to be modeled after Black Diamond, a resident of the Central Park Zoo in New York. Fraser’s design was immediately admired for its rugged beauty and is now considered one of the most artistically accomplished coin designs in American history.
By 1928, the Buffalo Nickel had been in production for 15 years. The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint that year, with no mintmark appearing beneath the “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse, as was typical for Philadelphia issues. A total of 23,411,000 Buffalo Nickels were minted in 1928, a relatively modest mintage compared to the early years of the series. While not a key date, the 1928 issue does enjoy strong collector demand due to its position in the later years of the series and its generally well-executed strikes compared to some earlier dates that suffered from weak details.
The obverse design of the 1928 Buffalo Nickel retains all of Fraser’s original artistry. The profile of the Native American is deeply struck on higher-grade examples, showing fine detail in the hair, braid, and feathers. The word “LIBERTY” appears in raised letters along the upper right rim, while the date “1928” is located on the shoulder. The designer’s initial “F” is located beneath the date. In Mint State 64 condition, the obverse of this coin shows sharp details and a robust strike, with the high points—especially the cheekbone, hair braid, and feather tips—displaying only minimal softness or contact marks.
The reverse of the coin depicts a full-bodied American bison standing on a mound. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arch above the animal, while “FIVE CENTS” is located below the base. Earlier coins in the series showed the buffalo standing on a raised mound, but excessive wear on that area caused the Mint to modify the design in 1913, lowering the mound and adjusting the denomination’s placement. On this 1928 example, the reverse strike is typically strong for the date, and in MS64 condition, the coin retains full detail in the bison’s head, horn, and shaggy fur—areas prone to flattening on lower-grade specimens.
The PCGS MS64 grade places this coin in the high end of Mint State categories, meaning it has no signs of circulation and only minor marks or abrasions visible under magnification. The luster is often satiny or slightly frosted, with no major distractions. A coin graded MS64 will typically have above-average eye appeal, making it a popular choice among collectors who want a near-gem example without paying the premium of MS65 or MS66 levels. Given the scarcity of superb gem examples for some Buffalo Nickels, the MS64 grade often represents a sweet spot between quality and affordability.
PCGS, one of the most trusted third-party grading services, certifies coins with rigorous standards. The encapsulated holder protects the coin from environmental damage while providing certification of authenticity and grade. Each PCGS slab includes a unique serial number that allows the coin to be verified in the PCGS database. This certification adds market value, trust, and liquidity, as PCGS-graded coins are widely accepted and traded across collector and dealer networks.
The 1928 Buffalo Nickel is considered a Type 2 reverse design, the revised version introduced shortly after the coin’s launch in 1913. Collectors who specialize in date-and-mintmark sets will value the 1928 as a mid-series coin, bridging the highly available early issues and the lower-mintage dates of the 1930s. In high Mint State, this date is much harder to acquire than common issues like 1935 or 1936, but not as rare or expensive as the semi-key 1924-S or 1926-D. As such, it provides excellent value for those building a high-grade Buffalo Nickel set.
The surfaces of this specific 1928 MS64 PCGS coin show minimal marks, with soft toning or full luster depending on the individual specimen. While some examples display brilliant white surfaces, others feature rich golden or rainbow toning due to long-term storage in albums or original rolls. Toning preferences are highly subjective, but coins with colorful, even toning often command premiums at auction. The combination of strong strike, minimal contact marks, and attractive visual presentation makes MS64 a grade level that is both collectible and visually rewarding.
The Certified Buffalo Nickel 1928 MS64 PCGS embodies the spirit of early 20th-century American coinage. With its historically rich design, collectible mid-series date, and solid Mint State preservation, it appeals to collectors at multiple levels. Whether part of a registry set, type collection, or an individual centerpiece for display, this coin stands as a tribute to artistic innovation and the enduring legacy of American coinage. Its MS64 designation ensures a beautiful and highly presentable example, preserving the striking details of one of America’s most beloved numismatic designs.