A Coin Hidden in a Toy Box
A simple toy box turned into a treasure chest when a rare Buffalo Nickel was found inside, valued at $1.27 million. This coin, minted from 1913 to 1938, has a Native American head on one side and a buffalo on the other. A child in Missouri discovered it while playing in June 2025, leaving experts amazed. The find shows that valuable coins can hide in the most unexpected places, like a kid’s toy collection.
Why This Nickel Is So Valuable
The Buffalo Nickel is special because it lacks a visible date, a rare error caused by heavy wear or a minting mistake. Known as a “dateless” Type I Buffalo Nickel, this one is from 1913 and in near-perfect condition despite the missing date. Experts believe it’s one of the rarest of its kind, fetching $1.27 million at auction. Another valuable version is the 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel, where the buffalo appears to have only three legs due to a mint error. These can sell for up to $500,000.
| Coin Type | Rare Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Dateless Type I | No Visible Date | Up to $1.27M |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | Missing Leg on Buffalo | Up to $500,000 |
Where to Find These Nickels
You don’t need to be a coin collector to find a valuable Buffalo Nickel. Check old coin jars, family heirlooms, or even toy boxes, like the Missouri find. Look at the coin’s design and mint mark, a small letter like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco below the buffalo. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like missing legs or faint dates. Online guides or coin apps can help you identify rarities. If you find something unusual, take it to a coin shop for an expert’s opinion.
Stories of Surprising Discoveries
The toy box find isn’t the only amazing story. In 2023, a woman in Kentucky found a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel in her dad’s old cigar box. It sold for $350,000. Another person in California got a dateless 1913 Buffalo Nickel in change at a flea market, later valued at $200,000. These stories, shared on platforms like X, show that rare nickels are still out there. A quick look at your coins could lead to a big surprise.
| Coin Type | Recent Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Dateless Type I | $1,270,000 | 2025 |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | $350,000 | 2023 |
How to Start Your Hunt
Want to find a valuable Buffalo Nickel? Here are some easy steps:
- Look for Buffalo Nickels in old collections or change.
- Check for mint marks and errors like missing dates or legs.
- Use a magnifying glass to examine the coin’s details.
- Compare your find to pictures on coin websites.
- Take any unusual coins to a dealer for a professional check.
A Fun Treasure Hunt for All
Searching for rare Buffalo Nickels is a thrilling way to connect with history and maybe strike it rich. Whether you’re a kid digging through a toy box or an adult checking old coins, anyone can join the hunt. The $1.27 million nickel found in Missouri proves treasures are hiding everywhere. Next time you see a nickel, take a closer look. It might just be a fortune waiting to be found.
