Finding a Buffalo Nickel in a Piggy Bank
When you empty a piggy bank after decades, finding a Buffalo Nickel can feel like a small discovery. The Buffalo Nickel, or Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938 and is popular with collectors.
Most examples that sat in loose change for 30 years are circulated and show wear. That does not mean they have no interest or value, but it affects how you handle and value the coin.
How to Identify a Buffalo Nickel
Identifying the coin is the first step. Look for a Native American profile on one side and a buffalo on the other. Mint dates appear on the obverse under the profile and are often worn on circulated pieces.
- Design: Native American head (obverse) and American bison (reverse)
- Dates: 1913–1938
- Materials: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Assessing Condition and Likely Value
Condition (grade) drastically affects value. A Buffalo Nickel that spent 30 years in a piggy bank will usually be in Good to Fine condition. That typically places its value near face value or a modest premium to collectors.
Important things to check:
- Legibility of the date. If the date is worn off, the coin is harder to value precisely.
- Major details like the buffalo’s horn and the Native American’s hair and cheekbone.
- Any unusual marks, mint errors, or mintmarks such as D (Denver) or S (San Francisco).
Common Value Ranges
Values vary by date and condition. Typical circulated Buffalo Nickels often sell for a few cents to a few dollars each. Key dates and errors are worth more.
- Common circulated dates: face value to a few dollars
- Scarcer dates and mintmarks: tens to hundreds of dollars
- Rare errors or high-grade examples: thousands or more
What To Do If You Find One
How you handle the coin affects its future value. Avoid cleaning or polishing, which can remove original surfaces and reduce value. Simple, careful steps are best.
- Handle by the edges or use clean cotton gloves to avoid oils from your fingers.
- If dirty, rinse gently in distilled water and air dry on a soft cloth. Do not use chemicals or abrasives.
- Store in a paper flip or plastic coin holder that is PVC-free. Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the date is readable and you suspect a rare variety or error, get a professional opinion. Certification services such as PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade the coin.
Professional grading has costs, so reserve it for coins you think might be valuable based on date, mintmark, or unusual characteristics.
Selling and Appraisal Options
When you decide to sell, compare options. Each option has trade-offs in fees, convenience, and final price.
- Local coin shops: quick and local, but may offer lower prices
- Online marketplaces (eBay): broad audience but you handle shipping and fees
- Auctions and consignment: good for rare or high-value pieces, but take time and fees
- Professional coin dealers: may provide the best price for rare items
Get multiple offers and consider certification before selling if the coin might be a key date or valuable error.
Practical Tips for Piggy Bank Finds
Most piggy bank finds are small pleasures rather than big windfalls. Still, a careful approach ensures you don’t lose potential value.
- Don’t mix coins from different years in one container for long-term storage.
- Record where and when you found the coin and any visible details.
- Join a local coin club or online forum to get informal opinions before paying for grading.
Case Study: A Real-World Piggy Bank Discovery
A homeowner emptied a jar of loose change and found a worn Buffalo Nickel with a faint date. After joining a local coin club and showing a photo, they learned it might be a 1937-D three-legged variety.
The owner had the coin inspected by a dealer. Because of wear, grading and certification were recommended before any auction listing. After authentication, the coin sold to a collector for several thousand dollars, demonstrating the benefit of expert input for unusual pieces.
Lessons From the Case Study
- Get a second opinion for unusual features or suspected key dates.
- Certification can significantly increase buyer confidence and final sale price.
- Even worn coins can have surprising value if they are a rare variety or error.
Final Practical Checklist
Use this quick checklist after finding a Buffalo Nickel that sat in a piggy bank for 30 years.
- Do not clean; handle carefully by the edge.
- Photograph the coin under good light showing both sides.
- Check the date and mintmark; note anything unusual.
- Ask for opinions from trusted collectors or local coin clubs.
- Consider professional grading only for coins that appear uncommon or potentially valuable.
- Compare selling options and fees before listing or accepting an offer.
Finding a Buffalo Nickel in a piggy bank is an opportunity to learn about coins and possibly add value to your collection. A careful, informed approach will give you the best chance of turning a dusty jar coin into a satisfying result.
