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."
about $500 in mint & $400 in very good condition
Check that coin again. There were no U.S. silver dollars minted in the 1950s.
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.