A dusty old piggy bank sitting on a shelf for decades just changed one man’s life. Inside it was a Buffalo nickel that had gone unnoticed for over 30 years. When it was finally pulled out and checked, it turned out to be worth thousands of dollars—far more than the five cents printed on it.
The lucky find happened in Ohio when a man cleaning out his childhood bedroom opened his old piggy bank. Among the pennies and quarters was a worn-out Buffalo nickel, also known as an Indian Head nickel. At first, he didn’t think much of it, but curiosity led him to search its history online. That’s when he discovered he might be holding a rare and valuable coin.
Why the Buffalo Nickel Is So Valuable
The Buffalo nickel was minted in the United States from 1913 to 1938. Its front features the head of a Native American, and the back shows a buffalo, also known as an American bison. While millions of these coins were produced, not all are equal. Some rare versions can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their year, mint mark, and condition.
The coin found in the piggy bank was a 1918-D Buffalo nickel. What made it extra special was its mint error and low production numbers. It was in good condition, with visible details that collectors look for. Once graded by a professional, the coin was valued at over $6,000.
Here’s what made this nickel valuable:
- Minted in 1918
- Has the “D” mint mark from the Denver Mint
- Shows a common error known as the “8 over 7”
- Kept in a cool, dry place which preserved the coin
- Was not cleaned or damaged over the years
Buffalo Nickel Key Details
To help understand what makes certain Buffalo nickels worth more, here’s a table showing some common and rare types:
| Year and Mint | Type of Coin | Average Value (Good Condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 (no mint mark) | Common Circulation | $1 – $3 |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged Buffalo | $500 – $3,000+ |
| 1918-D | 8 over 7 Error | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1913-S | Type 2 | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
From Coin Jar to Auction House
After getting the coin professionally graded and authenticated, the owner listed it through a popular coin auction website. Within days, several collectors began placing bids. The final sale price reached just over $6,200, giving the man a huge surprise and a reason to keep digging through his old stuff.
“I always thought of that piggy bank as just a childhood memory,” he said. “I never imagined it held something so valuable. Now I’m checking every coin I find.”
How You Can Spot a Valuable Nickel
If you’ve got old change sitting around in jars or piggy banks, it might be worth taking a closer look. Here’s how to check for valuable Buffalo nickels:
- Look for coins dated between 1913 and 1938
- Check for mint marks: “D” is Denver, “S” is San Francisco
- Look closely for minting errors like numbers stamped over each other
- Make sure the coin hasn’t been cleaned, scratched, or damaged
- Use a magnifying glass to check the date and design details
A Simple Coin Can Be a Big Win
This amazing story shows that forgotten things can turn into treasures. A simple nickel, left untouched for three decades, ended up being worth thousands. So before you throw away that old change or cash in a coin jar, take a few minutes to look through it. You never know what small surprise might bring a big reward.