A Dusty Discovery in the Attic
It was just another day for the Thompson family in Ohio when they decided to clean out their cluttered attic. Among old boxes and forgotten toys, they found a dusty, worn-out toy cash register that once belonged to their youngest son, Tommy. Inside were a few old coins, nothing special at first glance. Little did they know, one of those coins—a rare Buffalo Nickel—would soon be valued at an astonishing $973,000. The family’s routine cleanup turned into a life-changing moment, proving that treasures can hide in the most unexpected places.
What’s a Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also called the Indian Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin minted in the United States from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it features a Native American profile on one side and an American bison, or buffalo, on the other. Collectors love these coins for their unique design and historical value. While most Buffalo Nickels are worth just a few dollars, certain rare ones, especially those with minting errors or from specific years, can fetch huge sums at auctions. This particular nickel was one of those rare gems.
| Buffalo Nickel Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Years | 1913–1938 |
| Designer | James Earle Fraser |
| Obverse | Native American profile |
| Reverse | American bison (buffalo) |
| Rare Value Example | $973,000 (this find) |
A Coin Almost Tossed Away
When the Thompsons found the toy cash register, they nearly threw it out. The coins inside looked old and worn, like loose change from decades ago. But Sarah Thompson, the family’s curious mom, decided to take a closer look. “I thought it was just junk,” she said. “But something told me to check online.” After some quick research, she realized one coin stood out—a Buffalo Nickel with a faint date and unusual markings. She contacted a local coin dealer, who urged her to bring it in immediately. That’s when the family learned they had something extraordinary.
The Expert’s Verdict
The Thompsons took the coin to a professional appraiser in Cleveland, who confirmed it was a rare 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, one of the most sought-after coins in the world. This coin has a famous minting error where the date “1918” was stamped over “1917,” creating a unique overdate. Only a handful of these exist, and their rarity drives their value sky-high. After authentication, the coin was sent to a major auction house, where a collector snapped it up for $973,000. “We were in shock,” said John Thompson, the dad. “It felt like winning the lottery!”
How Did It End Up There?
No one knows exactly how this valuable coin ended up in a child’s toy cash register. Experts guess it might have been passed down from a grandparent or great-grandparent who didn’t realize its worth. Maybe a kid playing “store” decades ago tossed it in with other coins, and it stayed hidden all those years. Stories like this aren’t unheard of—rare coins often turn up in unexpected places like old jars, wallets, or, in this case, a toy. The Thompsons’ find has sparked excitement among collectors, who say more treasures could still be out there.
A Growing Coin Craze
News of the Thompsons’ discovery has fueled a wave of interest in coin collecting across the country. People are digging through change jars, checking old furniture, and visiting coin shops to see if they have hidden gems. “This story shows you don’t need to be a pro to find something valuable,” said Mark Davis, a numismatist from the American Numismatic Association. He suggests looking for key dates like 1918/7-D or 1937-D (the famous “three-legged” buffalo) and checking for mint marks—small letters like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco under the bison.
Tips for spotting a valuable Buffalo Nickel:
- Check the date closely with a magnifying glass for errors like 1918/7-D.
- Look for mint marks (“D” or “S”) under the buffalo on the back.
- Watch for coins with odd features, like the “three-legged” buffalo.
- Get suspicious coins appraised by a professional to confirm authenticity.
- Handle coins carefully by the edges to avoid damage.
A Life-Changing Moment
For the Thompsons, the $973,000 windfall is a dream come true. They plan to pay off their mortgage, fund college for their kids, and take a family vacation—something they never thought possible. “It’s like a fairy tale,” Sarah said. “We’re just a regular family, and now we have this incredible opportunity.” Their story is a reminder to check old belongings before tossing them out. Whether it’s a toy, a piggy bank, or a dusty box in the attic, you never know what treasure might be waiting to change your life.