What started as a routine trip to the grocery store turned into a surprising discovery for Springfield resident Laura Mitchell. Last Saturday, as she was unloading her car in a busy parking lot, a small bronze object on the ground caught her attention. When she bent down to investigate, she realized she was looking at a genuine 1918 Buffalo nickel, one of the earliest coins in this famous series. The coin showed signs of wear, proving it had been in circulation for over a century.
Mitchell, a casual coin enthusiast, first thought it was just a replica. “It looked like something from a history book,” she said with a laugh. However, after showing it to a local coin dealer, Tom Rivera, she learned that the nickel was the real deal. Rivera explained that while Buffalo nickels from the 1910s aren’t impossible to find, spotting a 1918 one in regular pocket change is extremely rare.
A Coin with a Century of History
The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and first minted in 1913. The front of the coin shows a portrait of Native American chiefs, and the back features an American bison standing proudly. The series ran until 1938, making it one of the longest-lived coin designs in U.S. history.
Even though the Buffalo nickel is over 100 years old, it is still legal tender, valued at five cents. In reality, however, most worn Buffalo nickels are rarely spent in everyday transactions. They are typically kept by collectors or forgotten in drawers. Rivera estimates that only about one in every several million nickels still circulating today would be from 1918 or earlier.
From Parking Lot to Coin Collection
Once Mitchell confirmed the coin’s date, she took it to Springfield Coin & Collectibles, where it was graded “Good” (G-4) by an independent grading service. In this condition, such coins are typically worth between $10 and $20, depending on market demand. A better-preserved coin, especially one with a “D” mint mark from Denver, could fetch several hundred dollars.
Instead of selling it, Mitchell decided to keep the coin as a piece of history. “I’m not sure I could ever spend it, no matter how much it’s worth,” she said. Her discovery has sparked a wave of curiosity in the community, with many people checking their own change more carefully.
Why Buffalo Nickels Are Important
Coin experts see the Buffalo nickel as a significant part of early 20th-century American culture and art. It was one of the first U.S. coins to feature distinctly American themes, such as Native American heritage and wildlife, rather than classical Greco-Roman imagery. This was a groundbreaking design choice at the time and helped set the stage for future coin art.
Over the years, there have been many varieties of Buffalo nickels, including rare “over-dates” where the previous year’s date is faintly visible beneath the current one. Collectors often seek out these variations, which can be worth thousands of dollars.
A Reminder to Look Closely
Mitchell’s unexpected find is a reminder that valuable treasures can sometimes be hidden in the most unlikely places. Next time you’re going through your loose change or digging through the bottom of your purse, it might pay off to take a second look. Even with digital payments becoming more common, the excitement of finding a piece of American history in your pocket remains just as thrilling.
“It makes you wonder what else is out there,” Mitchell said. “I’ll never look at a parking lot the same way again.”
FAQs:
1. What is a Buffalo nickel?
A Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American chief on the front and an American bison on the back.
2. How rare is a 1918 Buffalo nickel?
A 1918 Buffalo nickel is quite rare, especially in everyday circulation. Most coins from this era are either kept by collectors or lost over time.
3. How much is a worn 1918 Buffalo nickel worth?
A worn 1918 Buffalo nickel in “Good” condition is typically worth between $10 and $20. Coins in better condition or with rare mint marks can be worth hundreds of dollars.
4. Should I keep my old coins?
Yes, old coins, especially those with rare minting errors or historical significance, can be valuable. It’s always a good idea to have them checked by a coin expert to determine their worth.