Buffalo Nickel Valued : Some of history’s most fascinating treasures are found in the most unexpected places—whether tucked away in an old drawer, mixed in with everyday spare change, or even used to pay for something as ordinary as a late-night pizza. This is the remarkable true story of a seemingly average Buffalo Nickel that transformed from small change into a rare numismatic treasure valued at over $600,000.
A Late-Night Pizza and a Fateful Handful of Change
In 2007, a teenager in Pennsylvania scraped together some loose change to pay for a pizza delivery. Among those coins was a worn Buffalo Nickel—a common sight in circulation decades ago, but one that held a hidden secret.
At first glance, nothing stood out about this nickel. Buffalo Nickels (minted from 1913 to 1938) were once everyday currency. But this particular coin had an unusual feature that would later stun collectors.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
By chance, the nickel eventually made its way to a local coin shop. An experienced numismatist noticed something peculiar—the date appeared slightly blurred, and there was a faint doubling on the buffalo design.
Further examination revealed the truth: this was no ordinary Buffalo Nickel. It was a 1918/7-D overdate error, one of the rarest varieties in U.S. coin history. The mint had accidentally stamped the 1918 date over a 1917 die, creating a prized collector’s item. Fewer than 200 of these coins are known to exist today.
From Obscurity to Auction Stardom
Over the years, the nickel passed through private collections, its value climbing as its rarity became widely recognized. The coin’s big moment came in 2024 when it went up for auction at Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
Despite its well-worn condition, collectors fiercely competed for this piece of history. When the hammer fell, the final price was an astonishing $601,000—proving that even the most humble objects can become priceless artifacts.
A New Home in a National Museum
The anonymous buyer made a generous decision: donating the coin to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs. Now displayed in a carefully preserved exhibit, the nickel serves as a reminder that treasures can hide in plain sight.
A plaque beside the coin shares its incredible journey—from a teenager’s pizza money to a celebrated piece of American history.
Why This Coin Captures Our Imagination
The Buffalo Nickel is already beloved by collectors for its iconic design—featuring a Native American portrait on one side and an American bison on the other. But the 1918/7-D overdate elevates it to legendary status.
This coin isn’t just rare; it’s a testament to the unexpected stories behind everyday objects. It reminds us to look closer at the things we might otherwise overlook.
Could There Be Another Hidden Treasure in Your Pocket?
Most of us don’t think twice about the coins we receive in change. But this story proves that history—and fortune—can be hiding in the smallest details.
So next time you empty your pockets or dig through an old jar of spare change, take a moment to inspect those coins. That nickel you’ve been ignoring? It might just be the next great discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
1. What is a Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It features a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison (buffalo) on the reverse.
2. Why is one Buffalo Nickel worth $601,000?
Certain Buffalo Nickels are considered extremely rare due to unique minting errors, low mintage years, or exceptionally well-preserved condition. The one valued at $601,000 likely possesses a rare combination of date, mint mark, and condition—possibly a 1913-S Type 2 in near-perfect grade or an ultra-rare error coin.
