Buffalo Nickel Valued at $601,000: The world’s unusual coin stories are usually shocking, but one caught everyone off guard. A six-figure museum exhibit was created from an ancient Buffalo Nickel that was previously used to buy a pizza.
How this tale of history began
This is the tale of 2007, when a Pennsylvania teenager spent some of his change purchasing a pizza late at night. Among those coins was a Buffalo Nickel, which appeared old and worn. The teenager spent this coin along with the remaining coins without paying much heed.
Buffalo Nickels were usually minted between 1913 and 1938, so there was nothing special about this coin, and it easily moved on. First it went to a pizza delivery person, and then from there, slowly, this coin reached a coin shop in a small town.
The sharp eye of an experienced shopkeeper did wonders.
The owner of this coin store was a seasoned numismatist. When he looked at this nickel, he realized that this was not an ordinary nickel.
Even though its date was slightly smudged, he noticed a slight double impression in the back design of the coin, the buffalo is shifted slightly, and a special overdate.
On investigation it was apparent that this coin was a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel—a legendary minting error wherein the 1918 date was inadvertently stamped on the mold of 1917. Such coins are extremely rare, and even now fewer than 200 such coins exist among collectors.
Auction record bid
This coin remained changing hands among private collectors for many years. Then in 2024, this coin made headlines in a large auction conducted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
Though its state was somewhat worn, its history and rarity drew many bidders. At the time the hammer fell at the auction, its price stood at \$601,000—that is, a coin that originally cost only 5 cents has now been sold for over six lakh dollars.
This coin is now the pride of a museum.
The buyer of this coin never revealed his name. But he donated this uncommon coin to the American Numismatic Museum, Colorado Springs.
Today, the coin is displayed in a special secure, temperature-controlled glass case and individuals visit it from far and wide.
There has been set up a small board next to the coin describing its extraordinary history—from a teenager’s pocket to a national museum.
Why this coin is so popular
Buffalo Nickels are extremely popular in the first place because they provide a glimpse of American heritage—with a photo of a Native American on the front and a buffalo on the reverse.
However, the 1918/7-D Nickel is not only a work of art, it also indicates that a common item can be historically and economically valuable.
Who would have thought that a coin spent to purchase a Pepperoni pizza would eventually be worth over six hundred thousand dollars?
A real lesson in the end
This is a lesson that teaches us at times treasure is standing right before us, yet we do not see it.
Whether you hold an old coin or an item stored away in a drawer, history has the potential to repeat itself at any moment and alter your destiny.
Hello, next time you happen to hold some loose change, have a good look at it—who knows, one of those coins could bring you good fortune.
If you wish, I can also create an image of the Buffalo Nickel indicating its identification and distinguishing features. Would you like to view it?
Conclusion
This true story shows that even the most ordinary-looking coins that are used in our daily lives can possess unimaginable value and history behind them. A plain Buffalo Nickel that was spent to purchase a pizza turned out to be worth millions of dollars and ended up in a museum—this is nothing but a miracle.
This is not a story about a coin only, but also of a message for each of us – Don’t overlook your old things. Some of them can turn into treasures for you someday.
Therefore, the next time you receive an old or rare coin in your hand, give it a close look—it can alter your destiny.
Buffalo Nickel Valued at $601,000 FAQs
What is a Buffalo Nickel?
A U.S. five-cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938, featuring a Native American on the front and buffalo reverse.
What made the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel special?
It’s a rare minting error where 1918 was stamped over 1917, with fewer than 200 known in collectible condition.
How was the rare Buffalo Nickel discovered?
A Pennsylvania teenager unknowingly used it to buy pizza; a coin shop owner later identified it as a rare overdate.