A Forgotten Treasure in Your Coins
Imagine digging through an old piggy bank and discovering a Buffalo Nickel worth thousands of dollars. Minted between 1913 and 1938, these iconic coins feature a Native American profile on the front and a buffalo on the back. While most Buffalo Nickels are valued at just a few cents, rare versions—like the 1913-D Type I or coins with unique errors—can command hefty prices. After sitting unnoticed for decades, your piggy bank might be hiding a valuable piece of history waiting to be found.
What Makes the Buffalo Nickel So Special?
Collectors prize the Buffalo Nickel for its artistic design and rich historical significance. The 1913-D Type I nickel, minted in Denver, is especially rare, with only about 5.3 million produced. Its distinguishing feature is the buffalo standing on a raised mound rather than flat ground. Even more extraordinary are error coins like the 1937-D “three-legged” nickel, where a buffalo leg was accidentally polished off the die. One of these rare nickels sold for $99,000 in 2023. Well-preserved nickels or those with minting errors often fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars—far above their 5-cent face value.
Could a Valuable Buffalo Nickel Be in Your Home?
These rare nickels might still be tucked away in old piggy banks, coin jars, or family collections. Since Buffalo Nickels were common in circulation many years ago, it’s not unusual for some to have been saved unknowingly. Experts say rare Buffalo Nickels frequently surface from forgotten heirlooms or passed-down coin collections. With millions minted, the chances of uncovering one at home are real. Use the table below to help spot a valuable Buffalo Nickel:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for dates between 1913 and 1938 on the front |
| Mint Mark | Check for a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) beneath the buffalo |
| Design | Native American on front, buffalo on back; check if buffalo has three legs |
| Errors | Look for missing legs or doubled designs using a magnifying glass |
| Condition | Coins with sharp details and minimal wear are more valuable |
Tips to Find a Rare Buffalo Nickel
- Search through old piggy banks, coin jars, or inherited collections.
- Look for nickels dated between 1913 and 1938.
- Pay close attention to the mint mark “D” or “S” and watch for unusual features.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like the missing buffalo leg or doubled die.
- Avoid cleaning coins—cleaning can significantly reduce their value.
- If you find a nickel that looks rare, have it professionally appraised by a reputable coin dealer.
The Excitement of Discovery
The thought of a Buffalo Nickel worth thousands hidden in a dusty piggy bank sparks excitement among collectors and casual finders alike. Stories of rare nickels uncovered in attics, thrift shops, or old family collections continue to fuel the hunt. Even if you don’t find the famous 1937-D three-legged buffalo, other nickels like the 1918/7-D overdate can sell for hundreds of dollars. Coin collecting is gaining popularity as more people learn about these hidden gems, and the Buffalo Nickel remains a star in the world of numismatics.
Check Your Coins Today
The next time you empty a piggy bank or sort through loose change, take a close look at those nickels. That small piece of metal could be a valuable relic from the past. With patience and attention, you might uncover a Buffalo Nickel that holds much more than five cents in value. Grab a magnifying glass, inspect your coins carefully, and you may find a rare treasure right in your own home.