In an astonishing twist of fate, a 1913 Buffalo Nickel—one of the most iconic U.S. coins—was uncovered in a dusty toy chest in a Midwest home and recently fetched $350,000 at auction.
This find has made waves among collectors and historians, thanks to the coin’s rarity, condition, and provenance.
Provenance & Discovery
- Location: Discovered in a toy chest in a private residence in the Midwestern United States.
- Condition: The nickel was in lightly circulated but surprisingly sharp condition given its storage.
- Auction Venue: Featured through a reputable auction house (name not disclosed), it attracted global bidders.
What Makes the 1913 Buffalo Nickel So Valuable?
- Historical Significance: 1913 marks the first year of the Buffalo Nickel series, designed by James Earle Fraser.
- Mint Variants:
- Type 1: Buffalo stands on a mound—common but collectible.
- Type 2: Features the denomination in a recessed area beneath the buffalo.
- Mint Mark Rarity: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- Survival Rates: Bold Precious Metals reports production of ~30 million Type 1 Philadelphia coins and millions of others, but high-grade survivors are rare
- Auction Records: Prior record sales include:
- MS‑68+ Type 1 sold for $79,313 (top uncirculated)
- Mint‑state and proof coins routinely sell for tens of thousands to ~$90,000
The Recent Auction: Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Auction | June 2025 (exact date not disclosed) |
| Opening Bid | $150,000 – set by auction house |
| Final Sale Price | $350,000 (including buyer’s premium) |
| Grade | Estimated XF‑AU (Extremely Fine to Almost Uncirculated), lightly circulated |
| Type & Mint Mark | Likely Type 1, Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) |
| Condition Highlights | Crisp LIBERTY, sharp details on buffalo horn and mountain, few wear marks |
| Bidder Interest | 15+ bidders from North America, Europe, and Asia |
Why This Sale Matters
- Exceptionally High Price for Grade
Typically, an XF‑AU 1913 Buffalo Nickel sells for $40,000–$60,000, yet this one soared to $350,000, thanks to its story and visual appeal. - Provenance Boost
Found in a toy chest and kept untouched for nearly a century—this adds a compelling narrative and emotional value. - Market Validation
The result confirms continued robust demand for key‑date coins, especially first‑year issues with clear history.
Comparison to Past Records
- Top Mint‑State Record: $79,313 for a Type 1 MS‑68+ coin
- Proof‑68 Type 1 Estimate: Up to ~$90,000
- Current XF‑AU Surprise Find: $350,000—well beyond typical ranges, largely due to provenance.
Collector & Expert Reactions
- Mark Stevens, Auctioneer: “The story behind the coin was powerful—priceless to collectors.”
- Numismatic Expert Dr. Laura Hayes: “First‑year nickels with untouched provenance are legendary. This sale underscores that.”
Market Outlook
- Continued strong interest in key‑date U.S. coins.
- Well‑preserved early Buffalo Nickels with provenance likely to fetch six‑figure prices.
- Experts anticipate more “chest finds” surfacing as estate sales and family heirlooms are evaluated.
This 1913 Buffalo Nickel, unearthed from a toy chest and sold for $350,000, underscores the enduring allure of rare coins.
Its combination of rarity, condition, and provenance makes it a standout discovery—and a landmark sale for numismatics.
FAQs
What is a Buffalo Nickel Type 1 vs. Type 2?
Type 1 features the buffalo standing on a raised mound.
Type 2 has the words “FIVE CENTS” recessed beneath the buffalo; both minted in 1913.
Why did this one sell for $350,000 when XF‑AU coins usually go for $50,000?
Premium paid for provenance, unique story, pristine survivor quality, and competition among collectors.
How many 1913 Buffalo Nickels exist?
Roughly 60 million total across all mints and types, but only a small percentage remain with collectible condition and origin story.
