I went across town the other day to finalize my recent adoption of Bilbo The Cat.

On the way, I stopped at a not-so-convenient store located on The Edge Of Never to pick up something to drink, and just when I returned to my vehicle, a spritely lad of about 40 or 50 began his approach.

I calmly remained in Condition Yellow, cracked the window, and without even having to ask, he offered me this nickel for five dollars, saying he needed the money so he could get a beer and something to eat before leaving town.

• Indian-Head/Buffalo Nickel (ca. 1925)
• Ebony & Onyx Riding Crop (ca. 'Olde', English)

I dug in my pocket, pulled out a Five Spot, and the deal was done.

Thinking back on it, I only wish I'd given him a Twenty...

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Except a dead one.

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It's fairly worn and not in pristine shape. I have no idea what it's worth.

But I've also heard, "Ten'll get you twenty."

Problem is, I never knew what that meant, and I still don't now, but I guess, 'Six of one, half a dozen of the other.'

Or something like that.

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...it's worth somewhere between $3 and $34 in circulated condition.

http://coins.about.com/library/US-coin-values/bl-US0005-Buffalo-Nickel-Values.htm