The 1928-S Buffalo Nickel: A Tale of Minting Mysteries and Grading Challenges
January 31, 2026Is Your 1928-S Two Feather Buffalo Nickel Authentic? Expert Authentication Guide
January 31, 2026
Most Buffalo Nickel Collectors Miss These Tiny Details That Create Fortunes
After thirty years of hunched-over microscope work, I’ve learned this truth: fortune favors those who know where to look. Nowhere does this ring truer than with Buffalo Nickels – where a hairline die crack or feather anomaly can transform pocket change into a five-figure rarity. My recent deep dive into CAC Grading (CACG) reveals why today’s market rewards specialists who speak the language of dies and deterioration.
The Grading Rollercoaster: When Two Buffalo Nickels Taught Us Everything
Consider these two coins that made seasoned collectors gasp in our forum discussion:
- 1928-S Buffalo Nickel (possible “Two Feather” variety)
- 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo Nickel (legendary “Black Diamond” reverse)
Both coins rode grading service carousels – bouncing between NGC, PCGS, and finally CACG with grades swinging from MS63 down to AU55. This numismatic odyssey proves why understanding die varieties isn’t just academic; it’s profit protection.
Cracking the 1928-S “Two Feather” Mystery
The Backstory Every Collector Needs
The 1928-S already commands respect with its modest 6.4 million mintage. But the “Two Feather” variety? That’s where true numismatic value emerges. Ron Pope’s research confirms this late die state phenomenon – where die erosion nearly erases the third feather beneath the buffalo’s tail, creating a rare variety that makes specialists’ palms sweat.
The 4 Clues That Separate Common From Extraordinary
- Feather Count: Authentic examples show only two distinct feathers below the tail
- Die Crack Symphony: Search for crescent-shaped cracks near the date-mintmark junction
- Mint Mark Tell: The “S” sits noticeably lower than standard strikes
- Obverse Wear Patterns: Watch for weakness on the Indian’s cheekbone – a key die deterioration marker
Our forum member’s victory came when CACG recognized this variety after PCGS hesitation – proving attribution often outweighs numerical grade.
1913-S Type 1: Hunting the Black Diamond Ghost
Why This Variety Makes Hearts Race
The 1913-S Type 1’s “Black Diamond” reverse (featuring the buffalo on a raised mound) already ranks among the series’ holy grails. With just 1.2 million struck, any diagnostic error boosts its collectibility exponentially.
The Error Hunter’s Checklist
- Doubling Drama: Class V doubling on “LIBERTY” requires angled lighting
- Reverse Fractures: Radial cracks through “FIVE CENTS” signal late die state
- Strike Weakness: Buffalo’s horn and front leg often show mushy details
- Luster Lies: Only unimpaired examples show full cartwheel effect – others reveal hidden friction
The forum’s 1913-S Type 1 delivered a gut punch: downgraded from MS64 to AU58 by CACG due to nearly invisible high-point wear. A stark reminder that today’s standards demand mint condition for top grades.
The Buffalo Nickel Specialist’s Field Guide
After dissecting these grading sagas, here’s your battle-tested checklist:
1. Die Crack Forensics
Map these stress points like a detective:
- Date digits (1920s issues love cracking here)
- Mint mark periphery – ground zero for stress
- Reverse mound borders where metal flow strained dies
2. Doubling Decoder
Under 10x magnification, hunt:
- Ghost letters in “FIVE CENTS”
- Split feather tips on the headdress
- Date numerals with “shadow” serifs
3. Mint Mark Mastery
Position anomalies mean paydirt:
- 1926-S “S” over horizontal “S” (FS-901)
- 1935 “D” over horizontal “D” (FS-501.2)
- 1916 “D” with telltale doubling
4. Die State Detective Work
Track these progression markers:
- Feather erosion patterns across die states
- Crack networks that grow between submissions
- Buffalo horn detail that weakens like a fading signal
Grading Realities: What The Numbers Don’t Show
Let’s break down the cold, hard market truth:
| Coin | PCGS Grade History | CACG Final Grade | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928-S Two Feather | MS63 → Rejected | AU55 (attributed) | +300% despite lower grade |
| 1913-S Type 1 | MS64 → MS63 → Details | AU58 | -70% without variety status |
The lesson screams at us: attribution and eye appeal now drive value as much as technical grade.
Why CACG Changed the Game for Variety Collectors
Three forum takeaways that made collectors rethink their strategies:
- Attribution Accuracy: CACG spotted the Two Feather variety others missed
- Tough Love Grading: Ruthless on luster breaks and micro-friction
- Market Mirror: Their standards align with auction realities
- Speed Meets Precision: 3-week turnaround with specialist-level details
“How many ‘PQ’ Buffalo Nickels in NGC/PCGS slabs would get body-bagged by CACG?” – Breakdown (Forum Sage)
5 Submission Commandments for Variety Specialists
Turn grading headaches into triumphs:
- Shoot high-res photos under raking light before submitting
- Write variety attribution requests in blood-red ink (metaphorically speaking)
- Study crossover potential – some services “get” certain varieties better
- Balance registry points against potential downgrade risks
- Budget for multiple submissions – rare varieties often need second looks
Conclusion: The Thrill Lies in the Details
These Buffalo Nickels remind us why we sacrifice evenings to microscope eyepieces. While grading inconsistencies frustrate, the 1928-S Two Feather’s triumph proves knowledge conquers all. Remember: In Buffalo Nickels, true value lives in die cracks and feather counts, not plastic labels. As CACG demonstrates, the market finally rewards those who understand distinction beyond numerical grades.
Next time a Buffalo Nickel crosses your palm, ask: What secrets do those worn feathers hide? Your answer could rewrite your collection’s value – one die crack at a time.
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