Unexpected Treasure in a Family Game Night
A quiet evening of board games turned into a life-changing moment for a family in Springfield, Ohio, when they stumbled upon a rare 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, also known as a Buffalo Nickel. Hidden inside an old Monopoly box, the coin was tucked in a small envelope, unnoticed for decades. The family, who wishes to remain anonymous, had no idea the dusty token could be worth millions. After a local coin shop raised eyebrows, they sent it to a professional grading service, which confirmed its authenticity and value—potentially up to $5.2 million at auction.
A Coin with a Legendary Past
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the rarest coins in American history. Only five are known to exist, making it a holy grail for collectors. These coins were never meant for circulation, as the U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo design that year. Somehow, a few were struck in secret, sparking myths and fascination among numismatists. The Springfield find is now the sixth known example, rewriting a chapter in coin lore. Its pristine condition, graded MS-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), adds to its jaw-dropping value.
How It Stayed Hidden for So Long
The family believes the coin belonged to a great-grandparent who loved collecting oddities but never realized its worth. The Monopoly box, a hand-me-down from the 1960s, sat in their attic for years before being pulled out for game night. “We thought it was just a cool old coin,” the family’s spokesperson said. “We nearly used it as a game piece!” Experts say it’s not uncommon for rare coins to hide in plain sight—tucked in drawers, jars, or, in this case, a board game box.
What’s Next for the Million-Dollar Nickel
The family plans to auction the coin through Heritage Auctions in early 2026, with bidding expected to start at $3 million. Collectors worldwide are already buzzing, and some predict it could break records for U.S. coin sales. The family hopes the windfall will fund college for their kids and support local charities. “It’s surreal,” they said. “One minute you’re playing Monopoly, the next you’re planning a future you never imagined.”
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
Several factors make the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel a collector’s dream:
- Rarity: Only six coins are now known, making it ultra-scarce.
- Historical Mystery: Its secret minting adds intrigue.
- Condition: Graded MS-66, it’s in near-perfect shape.
- Market Demand: Wealthy collectors drive prices sky-high.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel |
| Known Examples | 6 |
| Condition Grade | MS-66 (PCGS) |
| Estimated Auction Value | Up to $5.2 million |
| Auction House | Heritage Auctions |
| Auction Date | Early 2026 |
A Reminder to Check Your Attic
This discovery has sparked a wave of treasure-hunting across the country, with people digging through old boxes and family heirlooms. Coin experts urge caution, though—most old coins aren’t worth millions. Still, the Springfield find proves that fortunes can hide in unexpected places. “Check your attics, your basements, even your board games,” said a Heritage Auctions spokesperson. “You never know what’s waiting.” For now, the family’s Monopoly box is a reminder that sometimes, the real jackpot isn’t on the game board—it’s inside the box itself.
