In the unpredictable world of rare coins, few stories match the twist of fate that turned an old Buffalo Nickel—once used to pay for a pizza—into a six-figure museum showpiece.
A Slice of History Begins
Back in 2007, a teenager in Pennsylvania handed over some spare change for a late-night pizza. Among the mix of coins was a worn-out Buffalo Nickel, casually tossed into the pile without a second thought. Minted between 1913 and 1938, these nickels aren’t uncommon—but this one had a secret.
It slipped unnoticed through the hands of the delivery driver and into local circulation, eventually landing in the till of a small-town coin shop. That’s where the real story kicked off.
The Sharp Eye That Spotted a Hidden Gem
The shop’s owner, a seasoned numismatist, immediately noticed something unusual. Though the date was hard to read, certain rare characteristics jumped out—subtle doubling on the reverse, a misplaced buffalo, and a telltale overdate.
Turns out, the coin was a legendary 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel—a major minting error where the 1918 date was struck over a 1917 die. With fewer than 200 known in collectible condition, this variety is one of the crown jewels for Buffalo Nickel enthusiasts.
Bidding War Breaks Records
After years of changing hands among private collectors, the nickel finally appeared at a 2024 auction held by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Despite its wear, the coin’s backstory and rarity ignited a fierce bidding war.
When the final hammer dropped, the sale price reached a jaw-dropping $601,000—an astonishing sum for a coin once worth five cents and traded for a pizza.
A Museum-Worthy Ending
The new buyer, choosing to remain anonymous, loaned the rare nickel to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs. Now displayed in a high-security, climate-controlled case, the coin attracts crowds with both its historical value and unforgettable origin.
Next to the coin, a small placard recounts its unbelievable journey—from a teenager’s pocket to the heart of a museum collection.
Why It Resonates
Buffalo Nickels have long been admired for their depiction of American heritage—a Native American on the front and a majestic bison on the reverse. But the 1918/7-D tells a deeper story: that everyday objects can hold incredible worth, both historically and financially.
Who would guess that a simple coin used to buy pepperoni pizza would one day be worth over half a million dollars?
Final Takeaway
This tale serves as a reminder that treasures often hide in plain sight. Whether it’s a rare coin in your change jar or an overlooked artifact in your drawer, history has a way of surfacing when you least expect it.
So next time you handle some spare change, take a closer look—you might just be holding a fortune in your hand.
FAQs
What makes the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel so valuable?
It’s a rare overdate error where 1918 was stamped over 1917; only around 200 exist in collectible condition, making it highly sought after.
How was the rare Buffalo Nickel discovered?
A coin shop owner spotted the rare overdate and doubling details while sorting through change, recognizing it as a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel.
Can rare coins still be found in everyday change?
Yes, while rare, valuable coins like this one can still surface in pocket change, coin jars, or old collections passed down through families.
Where is the $601,000 Buffalo Nickel now?
It’s on display at the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs, loaned by an anonymous buyer after its record-breaking auction sale.