Uncovering the Tidy House Buffalo: A Roll Hunter’s Treasure

The Unexpected Discovery

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

I found this going through a drawer. I guess I got it as a kid. It is just a 1935 circulated nickel. Anybody remember the promotion and it it worth anything?

Sometimes the greatest finds come from the most unexpected places. That drawer of old coins you inherited from a relative, the bulk lot you picked up at an estate sale, or even the roll of nickels from your local bank could contain hidden treasures. The 1935 Buffalo nickel with the Tidy House promotion mark is exactly this kind of sleeper find.

Historical Significance

The Tidy House promotion represents an interesting slice of mid-20th century American marketing history. While many collectors are familiar with the more common promotions that distributed silver dollars and 1964 Kennedy halves in exchange for box tops, the Tidy House Buffalo nickel promotion appears to be a lesser-known variant.

During the 1960s, various companies ran promotional campaigns where consumers could redeem box tops or proofs of purchase for collectible coins. The most famous of these involved common-date Morgan silver dollars and 1964 Kennedy halves, many of which have since developed beautiful toning patterns that make them particularly desirable to collectors today.

The Tidy House promotion, while less documented, appears to follow a similar pattern. What makes this particular find interesting is that it represents a variation on the more common promotional giveaways, potentially making it a key piece for completist collectors.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through circulation or bulk lots for these promotional pieces, there are several key markers to look for:

• Date Range: Focus on 1935-dated Buffalo nickels, as this appears to be the year associated with the Tidy House promotion.
• Condition: While many will be circulated, as this example is, the promotional marking itself adds value regardless of wear.
• Markings: Look for any counterstamps, engravings, or unusual markings that might indicate a promotional origin.
• Provenance: If purchasing from estate sales or collections, inquire about any history of promotional giveaways or marketing campaigns.

Comparing to Other Promotional Coins

The Tidy House Buffalo nickel fits into a broader category of promotional coinage that became popular in the mid-20th century. Similar to the more common promotions that distributed:

• Common-date Morgan silver dollars (which have become highly collectible, especially when beautifully toned)
• 1964 Kennedy halves (minted during a year of transition and scarcity)
• Other boxed-top redemption coins

These promotional pieces often have unique stories attached to them, making them particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate both the numismatic and historical aspects of their collections.

Value Considerations

While a standard 1935 Buffalo nickel in circulated condition might only be worth a few dollars, the Tidy House promotional variant could command a premium for several reasons:

1. Rarity: As noted by forum members, “The first example of that I have seen” suggests these may be relatively scarce.
2. Completeness: “This would be a welcome addition to someone who has the other Tidy promotions. Make a set.” This indicates that completist collectors may pay a premium for this piece.
3. Historical Interest: The connection to mid-century marketing campaigns adds an extra layer of collectibility.

Based on comparable promotional coins and the apparent scarcity of this particular variant, collectors might expect to see values ranging from $15-50 for circulated examples, with pristine or particularly well-preserved specimens potentially commanding higher prices.

Where to Find These Treasures

For roll hunters and cherry pickers, the search for Tidy House Buffalo nickels and similar promotional pieces should focus on several key sources:

Estate Sales and Auctions

Older estates, particularly those from the 1960s-1980s era, may contain collections built during the promotional giveaway period. Look for signs that the collector was interested in contemporary issues or marketing-related items.

Bulk Lots and Mixed Collections

When purchasing mixed lots of Buffalo nickels or 20th-century US coins, carefully examine each piece for unusual markings or characteristics that might indicate a promotional origin.

Local Coin Shops and Shows

While dealers may not always recognize the significance of promotional variants, building relationships with local dealers can lead to opportunities to acquire these pieces when they do surface.

Circulation Searches

Though less likely to yield results, occasionally checking rolls of nickels from banks or searching through pocket change remains a possibility, especially for more recent discoveries that haven’t yet been fully recognized by the collecting community.

Authentication and Preservation

When you do find a potential Tidy House Buffalo nickel, proper authentication becomes important:

• Document the specific markings and compare them to known examples
• Research the historical context of the Tidy House promotion
• Consider having the coin authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service if it appears to be in exceptional condition
• Store the coin properly to prevent further wear or environmental damage

Building a Complete Set

For collectors interested in promotional coinage, the Tidy House Buffalo nickel represents an opportunity to build a specialized collection. As one forum member noted, this coin would be “a welcome addition to someone who has the other Tidy promotions. Make a set.”

This suggests that there may be other coins or variants associated with the same promotional campaign, making the search for these pieces potentially rewarding both financially and historically.

Conclusion

The Tidy House Buffalo nickel serves as a perfect example of why roll hunting and cherry picking remain viable strategies for modern collectors. While the coin itself—a 1935 Buffalo nickel—might seem common at first glance, the promotional connection transforms it into something special.

For the dedicated collector, these kinds of finds represent the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of uncovering pieces with both numismatic and historical significance. Whether you’re searching through a family drawer, browsing estate sales, or carefully examining bulk lots, keeping an eye out for unusual markings and promotional connections can lead to discoveries that add both value and interest to your collection.

The next time you’re sorting through a batch of old coins, remember that sometimes the most interesting pieces aren’t the ones in pristine condition or with the highest catalog values, but rather those with unique stories and connections to the past. The Tidy House Buffalo nickel is a perfect reminder that treasure hunting in numismatics is very much alive and well.

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