The Buffalo Nickel Found in a Piggy Bank After 30 Years
Sometimes, amazing discoveries come from the most unexpected places—a forgotten attic, an old drawer, or even a dusty piggy bank. That’s exactly what happened when a rare Buffalo Nickel turned up after sitting in silence for 30 years. This quiet coin turned out to be one of the most valuable and exciting finds for coin collectors in recent times.
How It All Started
The story begins in a small town in the Midwest. While going through their late grandfather’s belongings, a family came across a ceramic piggy bank hidden deep in a closet. It was sealed and hadn’t been touched since the early 1990s. Inside, the piggy bank was filled with coins that had been saved over many years and dismissed as small change.
But when the family poured out the coins onto a kitchen table, one coin caught their eye—a worn-looking Buffalo Nickel. The coin showed the familiar image of an American bison on the back and a faded date on the front.
What Is a Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel—also called the Indian Head Nickel—was made by the U.S. Mint between 1913 and 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. On the front, it shows the profile of a Native American chief. On the back, it features a large buffalo that was modeled after “Black Diamond,” a bison from the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
Even though millions of these coins were produced, most were used in everyday life and became worn down. That’s why finding one in great condition—or from a rare year—is a big deal for collectors.
The Surprise Discovery
As the family examined the coin more closely, they noticed the date read 1916. On the back, under the words “FIVE CENTS,” there was a small letter “D.” That mark meant the coin had been made at the Denver Mint. Curious, the family took it to a local coin expert for an appraisal.
After inspecting it, the dealer confirmed they had something special: a 1916-D Buffalo Nickel in Mint State 65 (MS65) condition. That means the coin was still in nearly perfect shape—something extremely rare for a coin over 100 years old.
Only a few of these coins exist in such excellent condition. Because of its rarity and state of preservation, the coin was sold at auction for an amazing $42,000.
Why This Find Is Important
This story shows how valuable treasures can be hidden in everyday places. For 30 years, this Buffalo Nickel sat quietly in a coin jar, mistaken for nothing more than pocket change. But it turned out to be a rare piece of American history and worth thousands of dollars.
It also shows the exciting side of coin collecting. With some curiosity and a little knowledge, anyone can discover something valuable—sometimes life-changing.
Tips for Coin Hunters and Collectors
If this story has inspired you to look through your spare change or family keepsakes, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always check old coin jars and piggy banks: Rare coins often hide in plain sight.
- Don’t clean old coins: Collectors prefer coins with natural wear. Cleaning can lower their value.
- Learn about key dates and mintmarks: Some combinations, like the 1916-D Buffalo Nickel, are much more valuable than others.
- Get your coins graded: Professional grading services can confirm a coin’s condition and authenticity, helping you get the best value if you decide to sell.
FAQs
Q1: What is a Buffalo Nickel?
A: It’s a five-cent coin minted between 1913 and 1938. It features a Native American on the front and a buffalo on the back. It’s also known as the Indian Head Nickel.
Q2: Why do collectors love Buffalo Nickels?
A: Their unique design, historical importance, and short production run make them highly collectible. Coins in good condition or from rare years can be worth a lot.
Q3: What made this Buffalo Nickel so valuable?
A: It was a 1916-D coin from the Denver Mint in MS65 condition—very rare for its age and almost untouched. This level of preservation made it highly valuable.
Final Thoughts
The tale of the Buffalo Nickel found in a piggy bank is more than just a cool discovery—it’s a reminder that the past often lives in the small things we overlook. A simple coin turned out to be a window into American history and a life-changing find for one family.
So next time you find an old coin jar or stumble across forgotten change, take a closer look. That small piece of metal might just hold a big surprise—waiting patiently to be found again.