A Hidden Treasure Found
In a quiet Ohio town, a 1937 Buffalo nickel, tucked away in a child’s piggy bank for over 30 years, was recently sold at auction for an astonishing $2.1 million. This small coin, once worth just five cents, turned out to be a rare gem that collectors dream of finding. Discovered by a retired schoolteacher cleaning out her late father’s home, the nickel’s value comes from its unique condition and a tiny minting error. The sale, held in Chicago last month, has coin enthusiasts across the country checking their old piggy banks.
What Makes This Nickel Special
The 1937 Buffalo nickel is part of a series made from 1913 to 1938, featuring a Native American profile on one side and a buffalo on the other. This particular coin is a “Three-Legged” variety, caused by a minting mistake at the Denver Mint. During production, part of the buffalo’s front leg was accidentally polished off the die, making it look like the animal has only three legs. Experts say fewer than 200 of these error coins exist, and this one, graded MS-67 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), is among the best preserved.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1937 Buffalo Nickel |
| Error | Three-Legged Variety |
| Grade | MS-67 (NGC) |
| Auction Price | $2.1 Million |
A Journey from Piggy Bank to Auction
The schoolteacher, Mary Thompson, found the coin while sorting through her father’s belongings. He had collected loose change in a ceramic piggy bank for his kids, and this nickel was mixed in with pennies and dimes. Mary, unaware of its value, took it to a local coin shop, where the owner’s eyes widened. After grading, the coin’s rarity was confirmed, and it was sent to auction. Bidders, including two major collectors, pushed the price higher and higher, with the final sale leaving the room in stunned silence. Mary plans to use the money to fund scholarships for local students.
Comparing to Other Valuables
To put the nickel’s value in perspective, $2.1 million could buy a luxury car or a small house in many parts of the U.S. In June 2025, a 1-ounce gold bar is worth about $1.83 million, meaning this tiny coin outshines gold by a wide margin. Unlike gold, which is valued for its weight, the nickel’s worth comes from its rarity and history. Collectors say coins like this are like tiny pieces of art, with values that can soar as fewer remain available.
| Asset | Approximate Value (June 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1-Ounce Gold Bar | $1.83 Million |
| 1937 Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged, MS-67) | $2.1 Million |
A Wake-Up Call for Collectors
The sale has sparked excitement in the coin collecting world. Hobbyists are now digging through old jars and boxes, hoping to find their own rare nickel. Experts caution that only specific Buffalo nickels, like the Three-Legged variety in top condition, fetch such high prices. Still, the discovery has reminded everyone that treasures can hide in plain sight. Auction houses are seeing more people bringing in coins to check, and some predict more big finds in the coming months.
A Small Coin’s Big Story
This Buffalo nickel’s journey from a piggy bank to a million-dollar auction shows how everyday items can hold extraordinary value. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the history and the thrill of discovery. For Mary Thompson and collectors everywhere, this coin is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest things can leave the biggest impact.