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

How the Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years Can Still Matter

Finding an old Buffalo nickel after 30 years in a piggy bank is common and can be exciting. Most Buffalo nickels are everyday coins, but condition and date can affect value significantly.

This article explains practical steps to inspect, preserve, and determine if your Buffalo nickel has collector value. Follow these neutral, instructional steps to make informed choices.

How to Inspect the Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years

Start by examining the coin in good light and with a loupe or magnifier. Avoid touching the face or rims directly; handle the coin by the edges to prevent oils from your skin transferring to the metal.

Work on a clean, flat surface and use a soft cloth to lay the coin on if you need to set it down. Note visible features: date, mint mark, overall wear, and any damage like scratches or corrosion.

Where to find the date and mint mark on a Buffalo nickel

The date is on the obverse under the Indian profile. Mint marks for Buffalo nickels are on the reverse under the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for most years. Some early issues have different placements; consult a reliable reference if you cannot see markings.

Simple condition checks to do right away

• Look for legible date and mint mark.
• Check for holes, deep scratches, or greenish corrosion.
• Assess wear on high points like the buffalo shoulder and the Indian cheek.

Do Not Clean the Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years

Cleaning a coin can reduce its value dramatically, even if the cleaning improves appearance. Abrasives, chemicals, and polishing remove original surface and cause hairlines or chemical damage.

If the coin looks dirty, gently rinse it with distilled water and pat dry with a soft cloth only as a last resort. The best step is to leave the coin as found and seek professional advice if it appears unusual.

How to Evaluate Value for a Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years

Value depends on date, mint mark, and condition. Common dates in worn condition are worth only face value or a few cents above. Key dates and better condition can be worth much more.

Use coin guides or online price lists to get a rough idea, but remember that condition grading is subjective and professional grading commands the best market prices.

Common actions to determine value

• Compare your coin to photos in a coin guide or trusted website.
• Check auction results for the same date and grade.
• Visit a reputable coin dealer for a noncommittal evaluation.

When to Seek Professional Grading or Appraisal

If your Buffalo nickel appears rare, unusually well preserved, or has an uncertain date, professional grading may be worthwhile. Grading services authenticate and encapsulate coins, which helps in selling and establishing market value.

Grading has costs, so weigh potential value against fees. For most common coins found in piggy banks, local dealers or experienced collectors can give useful guidance without grading.

Selling or Keeping the Buffalo Nickel That Sat in a Piggy Bank for 30 Years

Decide whether to keep the coin for personal collecting or sell it. Keeping requires proper storage like coin flips, capsules, or acid-free holders to preserve condition.

If selling, options include local coin shops, online auctions, specialist dealers, and coin shows. Each option has pros and cons in pricing, fees, and convenience.

Simple checklist before selling

• Confirm date and mint mark visibility.
• Take clear photos under good light from both sides.
• Get at least two independent valuations.
• Consider professional grading for potentially high-value pieces.

Case Study: A Small Real-World Example

A retiree emptied a piggy bank and found a Buffalo nickel tucked under a dented penny. She took the coin to a local coin shop rather than cleaning it. The dealer identified the date and confirmed it was a common issue in average circulated condition.

After a short consultation, she sold the nickel for a modest premium over face value and used the funds to buy a beginner coin album for her grandson. The dealer advised saving any other older coins for future appraisal instead of cleaning them.

Quick Guide: What to Do If You Find a Buffalo Nickel in a Piggy Bank

• Handle by edges and inspect under magnification.
• Do not clean or polish the coin.
• Note the date and mint mark, and compare with price guides.
• Ask a reputable dealer for a valuation before selling.
• Store the coin properly if you plan to keep it.

Finding the Buffalo nickel that sat in a piggy bank for 30 years can be a small thrill. Most finds are not rare, but following careful inspection and preservation steps will keep your options open and prevent avoidable loss of value.