An ordinary-looking coin sparks national attention as a rare mint error resurfaces in the unlikeliest place — a local café tip jar.
In a twist that numismatists and casual collectors alike are calling “incredible,” a 2005 Speared Bison nickel — known for its striking and rare mint error — has been found in a tip jar at a small café in Portland, Oregon. The nickel, often dismissed as just another modern coin, is now making waves in the coin-collecting community due to its estimated worth of over $1 million, and the fact that it’s still in circulation.
The accidental discovery was made by a barista counting change at closing time, who noticed something odd about one of the nickels tossed in earlier that day. “It looked like there was a crack or line running through the bison’s side,” said Emma R., the employee who made the find. She took a picture and posted it online, not thinking much of it. Hours later, collectors began flooding the post with excitement, identifying it as the elusive Speared Bison variety.
What Is the Speared Bison Nickel?
The coin in question is part of the 2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series, which featured unique reverse designs to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. One of those designs showcased a majestic American bison. However, a small batch of nickels produced at the Philadelphia Mint contained a rare die gouge that created the illusion of a spear piercing the bison’s back.
To the untrained eye, the “spear” looks like a faint vertical line running through the bison’s midsection. But to collectors, it marks one of the most coveted mint errors of the 21st century. Experts estimate that only a limited number of these coins made it into circulation — perhaps just a few thousand.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
While mint errors are not uncommon, the Speared Bison stands out because of its visibility, scarcity, and the buzz it has generated among collectors. A handful of verified specimens have previously sold for anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on their condition. But with the growing interest in rare modern coins and the viral attention of this latest discovery, dealers now speculate that a pristine, uncirculated example could fetch upwards of $1 million at auction — especially one with authenticated provenance.
What makes this case especially intriguing is that the coin was still in everyday circulation, nearly 20 years after it was minted. It wasn’t found in a museum, a coin shop, or a private collection — but in a jar filled with loose change from customers buying coffee.
Collectors Scramble to Check Their Change
The story has triggered a surge in people inspecting their pocket change, piggy banks, and junk drawers for the now-famous nickel. Online forums and collector groups have been abuzz with images of bison nickels, as enthusiasts try to determine if they too might have a rare find hiding in plain sight.
Local coin dealers report a sharp increase in walk-in visits from people hoping for a payday. “We’ve had people come in with handfuls of nickels asking, ‘Is this the one?’” said one shop owner in Seattle. “Most aren’t, but you can’t blame them for hoping.”
A Reminder That Valuable Coins Are Still Out There
This isn’t the first time a valuable coin has been discovered where no one expected it. Stories of rare pennies found in couch cushions or quarters worth thousands turning up in laundromats are part of what makes coin collecting so appealing — the treasure hunt never truly ends.
The Speared Bison nickel’s reappearance serves as a thrilling reminder that valuable pieces of history may still be passing through our hands unnoticed. With millions of nickels from the 2005 series still in circulation, experts believe a few more Speared Bison examples may yet be discovered.
Also, read:
- Roosevelt Dime Missing Mintmark Found in Kansas — Worth Millions
- Jefferson Nickel With Flipped Reverse Found in Pocket — Worth Millions
Final Thought
For now, the café in Portland is abuzz with more than just coffee orders. The barista has since submitted the coin for professional grading, and major auction houses are already expressing interest. Whether it fetches a million dollars or not, one thing is certain — the humble tip jar just became a national sensation.
Have You Checked Your Change Lately?
You never know — the next coin you hand over for a coffee might just be worth a fortune.
