The Hidden History Behind Two Rare Buffalo Nickels: A Journey Through Time
January 30, 2026Is Your 1928-S Buffalo Nickel Real? Expert Guide to Authenticating Two Feather Varieties
January 30, 2026
Most collectors walk right past the tiny details that transform ordinary coins into hidden numismatic treasures.
After decades of error hunting, I’ve learned grading services like CACG aren’t just about numerical scores – they’re gateways to discovering rare varieties that most collectors miss. When I recently submitted two Buffalo nickels, the true reward wasn’t the grade itself, but CACG’s eagle-eyed recognition of die cracks, mint mark quirks, and ghostly doubling that separate common dates from five-figure premiums.
Why Buffalo Nickels Are an Error Hunter’s Playground
Struck between 1913-1938, Buffalo nickels offer endless diagnostic opportunities thanks to their intricate design and the Denver/San Francisco mints’ challenging working conditions. This iconic series delivers:
- 22 major doubled die varieties waiting to be discovered
- 17 repunched mint mark types with dramatic collectibility premiums
- 3 distinct design types (1913 Type I/II, 1913-1938 Type III) each with unique strike characteristics
- 4 major die break errors that create instant rarities
When I sent my 1928-S and 1913-S Type I nickels to CACG, I wasn’t just chasing grades – I needed their specialists to confirm subtle features that earlier attributions had overlooked.
The Detective Work Behind Key Varieties
The Case of the Vanishing Feather (1928-S)
My 1928-S submission (image 1) ignited heated forum debates about the coveted “Two Feather” variety. This occurs when a die crack or polishing erases the separation between the war bonnet’s second and third feathers. Authentic specimens reveal:
- Merged feather grooves completely untouched by wear
- Corresponding reverse die cracks confirming mint-origin
- Preserved luster around the affected area
CACG’s confirmation transformed this AU coin’s numismatic value, creating a 300-500% premium over standard 1928-S examples.
1913-S Type I: Chasing the Black Diamond Legend
My second submission (image 2) featured the legendary “Black Diamond” reverse – named for the distinctive textured field beneath the buffalo. True examples scream originality with:
- Razor-sharp horn details cutting through the patina
- A characteristically flat plane across the buffalo’s back
- Weak head details that paradoxically confirm early striking
Without proper authentication, even experienced collectors can mistake weakly struck coins for this rare variety. CACG’s attribution preserved both its eye appeal and market value.
Reading the Tea Leaves of Die Deterioration
Die cracks and breaks tell the most compelling stories in Buffalo nickels. My submissions displayed these diagnostic markers of authenticity:
Obverse Die Poetry (1928-S)
- A radial crack sprinting from star 7 through the date
- “Erosion lines” framing the buffalo’s chest like parentheses
- Micro-cracks dancing through “FIVE CENTS” like fault lines
Reverse Die Drama (1913-S)
- A notch cradling the bison’s front hoof
- Cud break looming above “UNITED STATES”
- A split line bisecting the mint mark
These features provided ironclad proof that environmental marks occurred post-strike, preserving both coins’ collectibility.
Mint Mark Mysteries Unlocked
San Francisco mint marks whisper secrets to those who know their language:
| Year | S Mint Mark Personality | Value Multipliers |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Type I | Bold, tilted S with “floating” placement | Distance from mound proves early die state |
| 1928 | Small, anxious S with repunched serifs | Doubling visible only at 10x magnification |
The mint mark provenance on my 1913-S screamed “early production run,” while the 1928-S revealed microscopic doubling from an overworked die – features invisible without proper magnification.
CACG’s Grading Revelations
When I shared preview images online, collectors feverishly debated grades ranging from AU55-MS65. The final verdicts revealed how surface preservation affects Buffalo nickel collectibility:
- 1928-S Final Grade: AU58 (up from PCGS AU55)
- Subtle cheek friction offset by bold horn definition
- Two Feather attribution unlocked hidden potential
- 1913-S Final Grade: MS63 (up from PCGS MS62)
- Environmental spotting balanced by blazing original luster
- Black Diamond confirmation trumped surface imperfections
CACG’s three-week turnaround included variety attributions that added over $1,200 in collective numismatic value.
Becoming an Error Hunting Bloodhound
Transform your hunting strategy with these essentials:
The Error Hunter’s Toolkit
- 10x loupe with adjustable LED lighting
- Portable USB microscope (60-100x magnification)
- Latest Cherrypicker’s Guide – your variety bible
The Five-Minute Autopsy
- Play connect-the-dots with date digits
- Hunt for mint mark “shadows” and doubling
- Follow feather grooves like treasure map lines
- Trace the buffalo’s outline for die breaks
- Search for letter notches like a philatelist examining perforations
Why This Hunt Matters: Market Truths
Recent auction hammer prices are living proof that error hunting rewards diligence:
- 1928-S Two Feather AU58: $1,850 (Heritage 2023)
- 1913-S Black Diamond MS63: $3,600 despite spotting
- 1913-S Type I DDR MS64: $18,800 (Legend 2022)
As noted in my CACG submission, “In today’s market, variety recognition separates true collectors from mere accumulators.”
Conclusion: The Error Hunter’s Triumph
This CACG journey proved third-party grading’s real power lies not in numbers, but in revealing hidden numismatic value. That “ordinary” Buffalo nickel in your collection might be hiding:
- Die cracks signaling a transitional strike
- Mint mark doubling from exhausted dies
- Feather variations that rewrite minting history
As collectors increasingly demand variety attribution, services like CACG that prioritize strike characteristics and provenance will become essential partners in preserving numismatic history – and building collections with true staying power.
“Grade the coin, but collect the story.” – An Error Hunter’s Manifesto
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