Rare Buffalo Nickel Worth $601K Might Still Be in Your Spare Change

You Could Have a $601,000 Buffalo Nickel Hiding in Your Pocket Change

Imagine pulling a coin from your pocket only to discover it’s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s exactly what happened with a rare Buffalo Nickel — a coin recently valued at a staggering $601,000. Once an everyday piece of currency, this coin might still be sitting unnoticed in someone’s spare change.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this century-old coin so valuable and how to spot one yourself.

What Is the Buffalo Nickel?

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was minted in the U.S. between 1913 and 1938. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the coin showcases a Native American profile on the front and an American bison on the back. Fraser designed it to capture the essence of the American frontier and to honor Native American heritage.

Why One Buffalo Nickel Sold for $601,000

Not all Buffalo Nickels are worth a fortune — but a few rare versions are. Here’s why one particular coin fetched such a high price:

1. Rare Overdate Error (1918/7-D)

This coin features a highly prized minting error. The 1918/7-D overdate occurred when a 1917 die was repunched with the 1918 date, creating a visible overlap. It’s one of the rarest errors in the Buffalo Nickel series and highly sought-after by collectors.

2. Exceptional Condition

Graded MS66 (Mint State 66), this coin shows no signs of wear and retains its original shine. Most Buffalo Nickels have seen heavy circulation, so finding one in such pristine condition is incredibly rare.

3. Low Survival Rate

Millions were minted, but few remain in top condition today. Combine that with a significant error like the 1918/7-D overdate, and you’ve got a coin worthy of a six-figure price tag.

Valuable Buffalo Nickels to Know

Here are some other notable Buffalo Nickels and what they’ve sold for in high-grade condition:

Year	Mint Mark	Variety/Error	Grade	Value
1918	D	7 Over 8 (Overdate)	MS66	$601,000
1916	P	Doubled Die Obverse	MS64	$281,750
1937	D	3-Legged Buffalo	MS66	$99,875
1926	S	Low Mintage	MS65	$105,750
1913	S	Type 2	PR68	$143,500

How to Spot a Valuable Buffalo Nickel

Think you might have a rare Buffalo Nickel in your collection or pocket change? Here’s what to check:

• Look at the Date and Mint Mark: Focus on key dates like 1918/7-D, 1916 Doubled Die, and 1937-D 3-Legged. The mint mark can be found just below “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse.
• Check for Minting Errors: Use a magnifier to look for overlapping numbers, doubled designs, or missing features like a bison’s leg.
• Evaluate the Condition: Coins with crisp details, no visible wear, and full luster are worth more.
• Get a Professional Appraisal: If you think you’ve found something special, send it to a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and value assessment.

Final Thoughts

Finding a Buffalo Nickel worth $601,000 is the stuff of dreams — but it’s not impossible. Coins with rare errors, low mintage numbers, and excellent condition can still be discovered in old collections or forgotten jars of change.

So before you spend that old nickel, give it a second look — you might just be holding a hidden treasure.

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