Kim Kat
One woman’s sentimental collection of spare change turned into an extraordinary discovery after 30 years: a 1916 Buffalo nickel with a rare doubled-die mint error and Denver mintmark, found during a spring cleaning session in her Midwestern home.
Buried under ordinary pennies and nickels, this unassuming coin was authenticated and eventually valued at over $12,000.
Buffalo Nickel Basics: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin | Buffalo nickel (Indian Head nickel) |
| Mint Date | 1916 |
| Mintmark | “D” (Denver) |
| Notable Error | Doubled die near the date |
| Grade | Very Fine (VF‑30) |
| Estimated Value | Over $12,000 USD |
Why This Nickel Is So Valuable
- Rare mintmark and date: Certain years, like 1916 with a “D” mintmark, are scarce.
- Doubled-die error: When a die misalignment causes ghost images of design elements—highly prized by collectors.
- Preserved condition: Graded VF‑30, it retains key design detail rare for circulated nickels.
Even worn examples of rare dates—especially with errors—can exceed hundreds or thousands of dollars in value.
A Century-Old Coin’s Journey
Originally minted over a century ago, this particular nickel was passed through generations, ending in a piggy bank owned by a retired schoolteacher.
Forgotten for decades, it represented everyday change until unexpectedly unearthed. The teacher had no idea she was holding numismatic gold until experts authenticated it.
What Are Other Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth?
While many Buffalo nickels are common and worth just pennies, rare types can be exceptionally valuable:
Some notable examples include:
- 1937‑D “Three‑Legged” Buffalo: Could fetch up to $150,000
- 1935 Double Die Reverse: Approximately $100,000
- 1925 silver planchet error: Rare metal used — about $100,000
- 1913 Type 1 and 1913 Type 2 early issues: Up to $27,500
- 1916 doubled-die obverse (like the piggy bank find): Higher tens of thousands
- Certain 1915 proof nickels (only ~1,050 minted): sold for over $240,000 at auction
Even high-grade uncirculated examples of other rare dates can fetch between $15,000 and $350,000+, depending on condition and error type.
How You Can Spot a Potential Treasure
If you have old coins, especially Buffalo nickels, here’s what to look for:
- Check the date and mintmark—many rare Buffalo nickels carry “D” or “S” mintmarks.
- Look for minting errors—doubled die, missing detail, distorted buffalo legs.
- Preserve its patina and condition—never attempt to clean it.
- Compare to key dates: such as 1913, 1916, 1918/17‑D, 1936-D (3½ legs), and 1937-D (three‑legged).
- Get it professionally graded through services like PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and condition.
Why This Story Resonates
This story highlights just how much is hiding in plain sight. Millions of ordinary Buffalo nickels were minted and circulated.
Most remain in spare change collections today—but some are rare and exceptionally valuable. For example, a worn 1937-D error or a 1916 doubled‑die could be instantly worth many times its face value if authenticated.
The piggy bank discovery showcases how simple coins—often overlooked—can be real investments with proper evaluation.
The story of the Buffalo nickel that sat untouched in a piggy bank for 30 years is more than nostalgic—it’s a reminder that true treasures can be hidden in everyday items.
If you have a collection of coins from the early 1900s, especially Buffalo nickels, it may be worth a closer look.
From rare mintmarks and doubled-die quirks to historical significance and graded condition, identifying value is about awareness.
Whether you’re a coin hobbyist or just curious, checking your old nickels might just reveal a priceless piece of American history—and possibly a small fortune.
FAQs
How did this Buffalo nickel become worth so much?
It was a 1916 Denver-mint nickel with a doubled-die error, in Very Fine condition—traits that significantly increase its rarity and collector value.
What’s the typical value range for Buffalo nickels?
Most circulated examples are between 15¢ and $1, while high-grade or error coins can range from $50 to $350,000+, based on rarity and minting errors.
How can I find out if my Buffalo nickel is valuable?
Inspect the date, mintmark, and detail, avoid cleaning it, then take it to a reputable coin shop or submit it for professional grading to get accurate value.