Imagine digging through your pocket change and finding a nickel that could buy you a fancy house. That’s the real-life tale of a rare Buffalo Nickel sold for $601,000. This coin, made back in the early 1900s, looks like any old five-cent piece with a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other. But some have special mistakes from the mint that make them worth a ton. Experts say a few might still be out there in everyday use, waiting for someone to spot them. Stories like this get folks excited about checking their spare coins.
The Pizza Payment That Started It All
Back in 2007, a kid in Pennsylvania wanted pizza but didn’t have much cash. He scraped together some loose change, including an old Buffalo Nickel, to pay the delivery guy. No one thought twice about it. The coin ended up in a coin shop later on. The shop owner took a close look and saw something odd. The date looked funny, like it was stamped twice. Turns out, it was a 1918/7-D overdate error, where the 1918 date was pressed over a 1917 one by mistake at the Denver mint. This kind of goof is super rare, with only about 200 known to exist. That simple pizza buy kicked off an amazing journey for the nickel.
Why This Nickel Is Worth a Fortune
The big deal with this coin is the minting error. During World War I, the mint was busy, and dies got reused. A 1917 die got stamped with 1918, creating a blended date you can see with a magnifier. In top shape, these can fetch huge prices. This one, even a bit worn from years in pockets, sold at a 2024 auction for $601,000 after collectors fought over it. The buyer donated it to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs, where folks can see it now. It’s not just the error; the coin’s history and design make it special too. Made from 1913 to 1938, Buffalo Nickels show America’s wild side.
Other Pricey Buffalo Nickels Out There
Not every Buffalo Nickel is a winner, but some dates and errors stand out. Here’s a quick look at a few top ones:
| Coin Variant | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Overdate | Up to $601,000 |
| 1916 Doubled Die | $300,000+ |
| 1926-S | $250,000+ |
| 1937-D 3-Legged | $150,000+ |
These values come from recent sales and depend on how good the coin looks. Low mint numbers or weird mistakes drive up the price.
Tips to Spot a Valuable One
If you want to hunt for these, keep it simple. Look for clear dates on the front, near the bottom. Check the buffalo’s legs on the back for missing parts or odd shapes. Use a magnifying glass to spot doubled letters or numbers. Get it checked by a pro if it seems off. Coins in great shape without much wear are best. Remember, most are worth just a buck or two, but rare ones change lives.
Why This Story Gets People Hunting Coins
This nickel’s tale shows treasures can hide in plain sight. After the news hit, more folks started flipping through their change jars and old wallets. Coin collecting boomed, with newbies learning about errors and history. It reminds us of America’s past, from the frontier days the design honors. Even if you don’t find a $601,000 gem, it’s fun to think one might be out there. Next time you get change, give it a peek. Who knows? You could be the next big discoverer.