A routine trip to the grocery store turned into a moment of disbelief for Springfield resident Laura Mitchell last Saturday. As she unloaded her car in a crowded parking lot, a small bronze object on the pavement caught her eye. Bending down, she realized she was staring at a genuine Buffalo nickel dated 1918—one of the earliest issues in this iconic series. What made the discovery even more surprising was that the coin had clearly been in circulation, showing the wear and tear of more than a century of hands, pockets, and cash registers.
Mitchell, a self-described “casual coin enthusiast,” initially thought she had found a replica. “It looked like something from a history book,” she laughed. But a quick check by local coin dealer Tom Rivera confirmed the nickel’s authenticity. Rivera explained that while Buffalo nickels from the mid-1910s aren’t unheard of, finding a 1918 piece in everyday pocket change is exceptionally rare.
A Century-Old Design That Still Circulates
The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and first struck in 1913. Its obverse features a composite portrait of Native American chiefs, while the reverse depicts an American bison standing proudly. The series ran until 1938, making it one of the longest-lived designs in U.S. coinage history.
Despite its age, the Buffalo nickel remains legal tender with a face value of five cents. In practice, however, worn examples are seldom spent in “everyday” transactions. Most end up tucked away by collectors or lost in seldom-used drawers. Rivera estimates that perhaps one in every several million nickels still in pocket change might date back to 1918 or earlier.
From Parking Lot to Coin Book
After confirming the date, Mitchell brought the coin to Springfield Coin & Collectibles, where it received a grade of “Good” (G-4) from an independent grading service. In that condition, these nickels typically fetch between $10 and $20 on the open market, depending on demand. A sharper specimen—especially one with a clear “D” mint mark from Denver—can climb into the hundreds of dollars.
Mitchell decided to let the coin live on her kitchen counter rather than consigning it to an auction. “It’s a tangible piece of history,” she said. “I’m not sure I could ever spend it, no matter how much it’s worth.” Her story has since spread through local Facebook groups and community pages, inspiring others to check their own change more closely.
Also, read: Silver War Nickel From WWII Valued at $10.2 Million — Still in Circulation
Why Buffalo Nickels Matter
Coin experts point to the Buffalo nickel as an emblem of early 20th-century American art and culture. It was one of the first U.S. coins to feature a distinctly American motif rather than classical imagery borrowed from Greco-Roman tradition. Fraser’s decision to honor Native American heritage and America’s wildlife was groundbreaking at the time, presaging the long-standing “coin art” movement.
Over the years, mints produced a staggering variety of Buffalo nickels, including numerous weak-strike specimens and rare “over-dates”—where a previous year’s numeral shows faintly beneath the stamped date. These nuances keep both novices and seasoned collectors engaged, hunting for varieties that can command premiums well into four figures.
Also, read: 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny Worth Millions — Still in Circulation Today
A Reminder to Look Closer
Mitchell’s unexpected find underscores a simple truth: treasures can lie unnoticed in the most ordinary of places. Next time you’re sorting through loose change or rummaging at the bottom of a purse, it might pay off—literally—to take a closer look. Even in 2025, with digital payments on the rise, the tangible thrill of holding a piece of American history in your palm is as powerful as ever.
“It makes you wonder what else is out there,” Mitchell reflected. “I’ll never see a parking lot the same way again.”
