A Dusty Find in a Small Town
In a quiet town in Ohio, a simple piggy bank sat on a shelf for 30 years, collecting dust and a few coins. Last month, 62-year-old retiree Clara Thompson decided to clean out her attic. Among old toys and forgotten trinkets, she found the piggy bank, a gift from her father when she was a child. Curious, she cracked it open and discovered a small pile of coins, including a shiny 1937 Buffalo Nickel. Clara had no idea this coin, tucked away for decades, was worth far more than its five-cent face value.
The Buffalo Nickel’s History
The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is a favorite among coin collectors. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it features a Native American profile on one side and a buffalo on the other. The coin’s design captures a piece of American history, reflecting the nation’s frontier days. Many of these nickels were heavily circulated, so finding one in good condition is rare. Clara’s coin, preserved in the piggy bank, was in near-perfect shape, with sharp details and no major scratches.
A Surprising Valuation
Clara took the coin to a local coin shop, where the owner, Tom Bradley, recognized its potential. After examining it, he told her the 1937 Buffalo Nickel, especially in such great condition, could be worth thousands. The coin was sent to a grading service, which gave it a high score for its quality. At auction, similar coins have sold for $5,000 to $20,000, depending on their condition and specific mint marks. Clara’s coin had a rare “D” mint mark, making it even more valuable.
| Coin Type | Average Auction Price |
|---|---|
| 1937 Buffalo Nickel (Standard) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 1937-D Buffalo Nickel (Rare) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
The Auction Buzz
Clara decided to sell her coin at an auction in Cleveland. Word spread quickly, and collectors from across the country showed interest. The auction house described the coin as a “time capsule find” because it had been untouched for so long. On the day of the auction, bidding started at $2,000 and climbed fast. After a heated 10 minutes, the coin sold for $15,500 to a collector from Texas. Clara, who watched the event online, said her heart was racing the whole time.
What Made This Coin Special
Several factors made Clara’s nickel a standout. Its excellent condition was key, as most Buffalo Nickels show wear from years of use. The “D” mint mark, showing it was made in Denver, added to its rarity. Also, the coin’s story, hidden in a piggy bank for decades, gave it a unique charm. Collectors love coins with a history, and this one had a tale that captured their imagination.
| Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Condition | High (near mint) |
| Mint Mark | “D” (rare) |
| Historical Story | Increased buyer interest |
A Life-Changing Moment
Clara plans to use the money to pay off some bills and take her grandchildren on a trip to Disney World. She said finding the coin felt like a gift from her father, who passed away 20 years ago. The discovery has also sparked her interest in coin collecting, and she’s now digging through other old boxes in her attic. For Clara, what started as a simple cleanup turned into a life-changing moment, proving that treasures can hide in the most unexpected places.