Originally posted by Tygur

From what I understand, the apostrophe only means that something was dropped. It doesn't really have to mean the current century. It just means that something was dropped, and it should be easy to figure out what it was. In the case of '28, it's obvious that 1928 is the intended meaning. Just like if someone types in 'postrophe somewhere, depending on the context, it probably means apostrophe.

Let me know if I got some of that wrong somewhere..
that's the way I understand it too. But maybe it's different with dates. I don't know.

or That is the way.

here's one. what about when something is dropped from both ends?

Bob 'n Otto. Only one apostrophe. I don't think you would write Bob 'n' Otto.