The Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years : In the world of rare coins and numismatic wonders, incredible discoveries often emerge from the most unassuming places—a dusty attic, an old wallet, or in this case, a piggy bank that hadn’t been opened in 30 years. This is the remarkable story of a Buffalo Nickel that quietly waited in silence, only to later be revealed as one of the most valuable and historically significant finds in recent memory.
The Humble Beginning
The story began in a small Midwestern town, where a family cleaning out their late grandfather’s house stumbled upon a forgotten ceramic piggy bank in the back of a closet. Covered in dust and sealed since the early 1990s, the piggy bank was heavy with coins—a collection of change saved over decades, dismissed as mere pocket money.
When the coins were poured out and sorted on the kitchen table, one small piece stood out: a weathered Buffalo Nickel, its proud American bison etched on the reverse side, and a barely legible date on the front.
What Is a Buffalo Nickel?
Also known as the Indian Head Nickel, the Buffalo Nickel was minted from 1913 to 1938. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the coin features a Native American chief on the obverse and a powerful buffalo—modeled after the famous bison “Black Diamond” from the Central Park Zoo—on the reverse.
Though millions were produced, many were heavily circulated, making well-preserved or rare-date nickels extremely valuable today.
A Rare Find Revealed
After some close inspection, the family realized the date on their coin was 1916, and it had a small “D” mintmark underneath the “FIVE CENTS” on the back—indicating it was minted in Denver. They took it to a coin dealer for verification, where the true value of their discovery was uncovered.
The nickel was a 1916-D Buffalo Nickel in uncirculated condition—a rare specimen that had somehow escaped wear despite sitting in a coin bank for three decades. Upon professional grading, it received a Mint State 65 (MS65) rating—an exceptional condition for a coin over 100 years old.
That particular date and mintmark combination is highly sought after, especially in mint condition. When it was later sold at auction, the coin fetched an astonishing $42,000.
Why It Matters
This story is a powerful reminder that hidden treasures often lie in plain sight. The Buffalo Nickel sat undisturbed for years, overlooked as just another coin in a jar. Yet it held immense historical and monetary value, reflecting a moment in American history and craftsmanship that resonates with collectors today.
It also highlights the enduring appeal of coin collecting, where knowledge, attention to detail, and a bit of luck can lead to life-changing discoveries.
Lessons for Everyday Collectors
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or someone who just found an old coin jar in the garage, here are some takeaways from the story:
- Check your change and old containers: You never know what may be hiding there.
- Preserve old coins properly: Avoid cleaning them—natural wear is preferred by collectors.
- Research key dates and mintmarks: Certain years and mint combinations can be worth a fortune.
- Get rare coins professionally graded: This protects the coin and ensures fair value at resale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a Buffalo Nickel?
A: The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a U.S. five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison (buffalo) on the reverse.
Q2: Why is the Buffalo Nickel collectible?
A: Its unique design, historical significance, and limited mint years make it highly prized among collectors. Well-preserved or rare-date Buffalo Nickels can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Q3: What made the Buffalo Nickel found in the piggy bank so special?
A: The nickel was a 1916-D (minted in Denver) in Mint State 65 condition, meaning it was in exceptionally good shape with minimal wear—a rare find for a coin over 100 years old.
Final Thoughts
The tale of the Buffalo Nickel that waited patiently in a piggy bank for 30 years is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a tribute to the idea that history is never truly lost. Sometimes, it’s simply waiting to be found again, one coin at a time.
So the next time you stumble across an old piggy bank or coin jar, resist the urge to spend it without a second look. That small piece of metal could be a window into the past—and a key to an unexpected future.
