in change today: 1927 buffalo, good date. Why??

MoneyLA

In change today at a donut shop in Los Angeles, a 1927 buffalo with a nice readable date. the "19" was almost smooth but the "27" was clear. Liberty is almost smooth. United States of American and Five Cents on the reverse are clear. Outline of buffalo is strong, legs clear, and some detail still exists behind the buffalo head and at top of back hump.

What amazes me is that this coin was passed as change.

I haven't had a Buffalo in change in at last 20 years... and maybe a lot longer. That got me thinking about "how" this coin might pass through change? And I think the reason is all of the "new nickel designs" in circulation now. In fact , some consumers and clerks might think that "old" is simply a "new" design.

claychaser

Maybe the kids got into the family coin stash?

Cool find though. Do you wonder what else was in the cash register drawer?

Overdate

It's probably been in circulation since 1927 and nobody noticed it wasn't a Jefferson until now!

robkool

Kool find... I have found a few of those at the bank once, but with no dates readable.

johnny9434

maybe a kid spent it. who really knows

droopyd

I'm guessing that a lot of older "hordes" of pocket change may be making it to Coinstar.

Some people may even take the trouble to learn that Granny's old change jar doesn't have anything very valuable in it and then just decide to dump it for 91% of face.

Some people may not even know enough to pluck out the silver.

If you take common date, well-worn wheats and buffs to a coin store, how much are you going to be offered for them?

ricko

Although there could be a number of reasons, it is likely that an old 'change drawer' was cleared out and spent. Happens often - at least here in the mountains. Cheers, RickO

edix2001

I recently picked up about 60 buffs for just over face value in a lot I won at my local club auction.
I'll probably give most of them away to encourage people to collect.

drei3ree

I just spent a couple dozen common, worn, but with readable dates. What surprises me is that the store clerks rarely give them a 2nd look???

Snowman24

a article i posted last year says that 1 out of every 9 1927 nickels
were counterfeited at a place called the Monroe Mint

just a bit of trivia Link