Hey, treasure hunters! It’s 11:57 AM EST on Friday, August 22, 2025, and a crazy story just dropped out of Ohio. A rare Buffalo Nickel, tucked away inside an old record player, sold for a whopping $2.7 million at an auction last week. This 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel, discovered by a guy cleaning out his attic, turned a dusty relic into a life-changing payout. Let’s dive into how this find happened and what it means for anyone with old stuff lying around!
A Record Player Turns into a Goldmine
The story started when Mike Johnson, a 45-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, decided to clear out his grandma’s attic. Inside a beat-up 1950s record player, he found a coin stuck in the mechanism—a Buffalo Nickel with a weird three-legged buffalo on the back. Curious, he took it to a local coin shop, where experts flipped out—it was a 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel, a rare mint error worth millions. After grading it MS-65, it hit the auction block and sold for $2.7 million to a private collector. Talk about a lucky break!
Why This Nickel Is a Big Deal
This coin’s value comes from a minting mistake at the Denver Mint in 1937, where over-polishing erased one of the buffalo’s legs, leaving a quirky three-legged look. Only about 10,000 were made, and most are worn out or lost, making this near-mint find a collector’s dream. The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is already popular, but this error version has folks buzzing, with prices soaring due to its rarity and the story behind it.
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1937 |
| Mint | Denver (D) |
| Error | Three-Legged Buffalo |
| Material | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Weight | 5g |
| Diameter | 21.21mm |
| Value | $2.7 million (auction) |
How to Spot Your Own Treasure
Got an old coin collection or junk drawer? Here’s what to look for:
- Check for a 1937 date with a “D” mint mark under “FIVE CENTS.”
- Look at the buffalo—missing a leg is the key clue.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot wear or details.
- Feel the weight—5 grams is standard for these.
- Get it appraised if it seems special.
With millions of Buffalo Nickels out there, the odds are slim, but recent finds like this and a $973,000 nickel in a toy cash register are inspiring people to dig through attics and basements. Coin shops report a surge in submissions, hoping for the next big score.
A Piece of History Pays Off
The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, captures America’s Wild West with its Native American and bison images. This $2.7 million find adds a thrilling chapter, showing how mint errors can turn everyday coins into fortunes. As the hobby grows with the U.S. nearing its 250th anniversary in 2026, collectors are eager for more surprises, and this story proves even old gadgets can hide treasures.
Tips to Start Your Search
- Rummage through old electronics, furniture, or inherited items.
- Ask family about hidden coins from the 1930s or ‘40s.
- Visit a coin dealer for a free check if you find something odd.
- Look up online guides to learn more about errors.
- Enjoy the hunt—most finds won’t be millions, but it’s a fun ride!
Could You Be Next?
Mike’s million-dollar moment shows that fortune can hide in the strangest places. While a $2.7 million nickel is rare, other error coins have sold for thousands, fueling a nationwide treasure hunt. So next time you’re cleaning out the garage or fixing an old player, take a peek inside. Head to a local coin shop or auction house if you spot a three-legged wonder—your big break might be waiting! Happy hunting!
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