Any furniture from the mid-century modern era (1930 - 1970) is highly collectible and could be quite valuable if it's in good condition. I've seen some desks of this era sell for between $3000 - $5000. You could try listing it on a site that specializes in this era such as lushpad.com
1950s?
Depends on the condition of the interior.
10-100 USD or so
No such thing. The last year buffalo nickels were minted was 1938.
half a billion dollars
It's a common date, as are all dimes from the 1950s. It's currently worth about $2 for its silver content.
25¢ and you could ask the attendant to give you "a dollars worth of gas."
Check that coin again. There were no U.S. silver dollars minted in the 1950s.
about $500 in mint & $400 in very good condition
US cents were never struck in silver. All cents from the 1950s were struck in a bronze alloy. Your coin is almost certainly plated, and has no extra value.
While I'm not an expert, I'd wager it could be worth a couple hundred dollars if it's in pristine condition.
To know how much a 1950's child roll top desk with a swivel chair is worth, you would first need to assess it's condition. The price will vary but as of 2013 a good range would be anywhere from $150 up to $350.