The Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years: What to Do

The Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years: Quick Guide

Finding an old Buffalo nickel after three decades in a piggy bank can feel like a small treasure. Most of these coins are common, but a few dates and varieties can be worth significantly more than five cents.

This guide explains how to identify, preserve, and get an idea of value for a Buffalo nickel that sat in a piggy bank for 30 years.

How to identify the Buffalo nickel you found

Start by examining the coin without touching the surfaces more than necessary. Note the date on the obverse (front) and look for a mint mark on the reverse (back) below “FIVE CENTS.”

Key identification points to record:

• Date (1913–1938 for the Buffalo nickel series).
• Mint mark: no mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco).
• Obvious varieties: 1937-D Three-Legged, 1913 Type 2, and overdate varieties such as 1918/7-S.

How to check condition and grade

Grade affects value more than whether it sat in a piggy bank. Look for wear on the high points: the Indian’s cheek and hair, and the buffalo’s shoulder and ribs. Heavy wear reduces value significantly.

Use these simple condition notes:

• Good (G) to Very Good (VG): Date and major features visible but worn.
• Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF): More details on hair and buffalo fur remain.
• Extremely Fine (EF) to About Uncirculated (AU): Little wear; many details visible.
• Uncirculated (MS): No wear, original luster—rare for coins from piggy banks.

Common dates and realistic values

Many Buffalo nickels from piggy banks are common dates from the 1920s and 1930s and are worth only a few cents to a few dollars in worn grades. However, some dates and varieties bring much higher prices in better condition.

Examples of higher-value items to watch for:

• 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo — an identifiable variety that can be worth from tens to hundreds of dollars depending on condition.
• 1918/7-S Overdate and other overdate varieties — collectors pay premiums for clear overdates.
• Low-mintage years in higher grades — early 1910s coins in AU or MS grades are collectible.

Cleaning and handling: what not to do

Do not clean the coin. Cleaning with chemicals, abrasives, or even water can damage the surface and destroy collector value. Many well-meaning attempts at cleaning reduce a coin’s value drastically.

Handling tips:

• Hold the coin by the edge to avoid fingerprints and oils.
• Store in a soft, inert holder (mylar flips or acid-free envelopes) or a coin capsule if you plan to keep it.
• Avoid PVC-containing plastics that can cause long-term damage.

Next steps for the Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years

After identification and careful handling, you have a few realistic options: research further, get a professional opinion, or list the coin for sale. The right choice depends on the coin’s potential value and your goals.

Practical next steps:

1. Compare the date and mint mark to online price guides (PCGS, NGC, and the Red Book are good starting points).
2. Use clear photos and descriptions if seeking an online valuation or listing.
3. If the coin looks potentially valuable, get it examined by a reputable local coin dealer or submit it for third-party grading.

Real-world example: a small case study

A collector found a Buffalo nickel that had been in a jar since the late 1980s. The date looked like 1937 and the reverse showed a D mint mark. Under a loupe the collector noticed the buffalo’s front leg seemed missing.

After photographing the coin and consulting online forums, the collector learned it matched the 1937-D Three-Legged variety. The coin was sent to a local dealer for confirmation and then listed with clear photos. It sold within weeks to a specialist collector for several hundred dollars, far above face value.

When to seek professional help

If the coin’s date is early, if you see a clear variety or overdate, or if the coin appears in unusually fine condition, a professional opinion is worth the effort. Third-party grading services can authenticate and grade the coin for market confidence.

Choose a reputable dealer or grading service with clear fees and references. Avoid high-pressure buy offers until you understand the coin’s true value.

Summary checklist

• Record the date and mint mark without touching the coin unnecessarily.
• Do not clean the coin; store it safely in an inert holder.
• Compare to reference guides and online resources for likely value ranges.
• Consult a reputable dealer or third-party grader for potentially valuable coins.
• Use clear photos and honest condition descriptions if selling online.

Finding a Buffalo nickel that sat in a piggy bank for 30 years is a good prompt to learn basic coin care and identification. With careful handling and a few checks, you can decide whether to keep, get graded, or sell based on the coin’s true potential.