The Buffalo Nickel: For decades, it sat forgotten — buried beneath loose change in a dusty ceramic piggy bank on a shelf in a Midwestern attic. Unassuming and worn with time, the coin didn’t look like much. But when finally discovered during a spring cleaning session, it turned out to be a hidden treasure: a rare Buffalo nickel worth thousands.
A Forgotten Coin With a Remarkable Story
The Buffalo nickel, officially known as the Indian Head nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. It features a proud Native American on the obverse and an American bison (often called a buffalo) on the reverse. It’s one of the most iconic and uniquely American coins ever made — and for collectors, certain years and mintmarks are highly sought after.
The nickel found in that old piggy bank was no ordinary piece of pocket change. It was a 1916 Buffalo nickel — but not just any version. It had the tiny “D” mintmark just beneath the date, indicating it was struck in Denver, and upon closer inspection, it had something even more special: the date showed signs of a doubled die, a rare minting error where the design appears twice due to a misalignment during production.
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
The value of a Buffalo nickel depends on several factors:
- Rarity: Certain dates and mintmarks are significantly harder to find, especially in good condition.
- Condition: Coins with less wear (graded as Fine, Very Fine, or higher) are much more valuable.
- Errors: Misprints, such as doubled dies or misstrikes, are prized by collectors.
- Historical Significance: The early 20th century minting practices often resulted in inconsistencies, making well-preserved examples highly desirable.
The nickel from the piggy bank was eventually graded as Very Fine (VF-30) and authenticated as a rare error coin. Its estimated value? Over $12,000.
How Did It End Up in a Piggy Bank?
The coin’s owner, a retired schoolteacher, recalled using Buffalo nickels during childhood. She had no idea one had ended up in her savings jar, passed down from her father. Like many, she thought of coins as small change, not historical artifacts. Little did she know, one of them would become a prized collector’s item.
Are There More Like It?
Absolutely. Millions of Buffalo nickels were minted, and while many are worn down and common, rare gems are still out there — in drawers, jars, boxes, and yes, piggy banks. Some key dates and varieties to look for include:
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1913 Type 1 and Type 2
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1916 Doubled Die Obverse
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1918/7-D Overdate
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1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo
Could You Be Holding One?
If you have a jar of old coins or inherited a collection, don’t dismiss the nickels — especially those with a buffalo on the back. Take a close look at the date and condition. Even worn examples of rare years can be valuable.
Have a coin you’re curious about? Take it to a coin shop, or better yet, send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. Who knows? Like the retired teacher, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even realizing it. Sometimes treasure doesn’t glitter — sometimes, it jingles. Check your change.
FAQ: The Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years
What made this Buffalo nickel so valuable?
It was a 1916 Buffalo nickel with a rare doubled die error and a “D” mintmark, making it highly sought after by collectors.
How much was the coin worth?
After grading and authentication, the coin was valued at over $12,000, thanks to its rarity and condition.
How can I tell if my Buffalo nickel is rare?
Check the date and mintmark (below the date), and look for errors like doubled features or missing legs on the buffalo. Rarer dates include 1916 DDO, 1918/7-D, and 1937-D Three-Legged.
Where can I get my coin checked?
Send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, or visit a reputable local coin dealer for an evaluation.