Buffalo Nickel : Life’s most extraordinary stories often begin in the most ordinary ways—a handful of spare change, a forgotten coin jar, or even a simple pizza order. This is the incredible true tale of how a worn Buffalo Nickel, once used to pay for a late-night meal, became a museum-worthy artifact valued at over $600,000.
A Fateful Pizza Order in Pennsylvania
The story began in 2007 when a Pennsylvania teenager scraped together loose change to pay for a pizza. Among the coins was a heavily circulated Buffalo Nickel—seemingly no different from the millions still floating around. Little did anyone know, this nickel held a secret that would later stun the world of rare coins.
The Coin Shop Revelation
Years later, the nickel resurfaced in a small-town coin shop. The shop owner, an experienced numismatist, noticed something unusual: the date appeared slightly altered, and there was a faint doubling in the buffalo design on the reverse side. Further examination revealed the truth—this was no ordinary nickel.
The Rare 1918/7-D Overdate Nickel
The coin was identified as a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, one of the rarest mint errors in U.S. history. Due to a production mistake, a 1918 die was stamped over a 1917 die, creating a subtle but highly sought-after double impression. Only about 200 of these coins are known to exist, making them a treasure among collectors.
From Pocket Change to Auction Sensation
After changing hands among collectors, the nickel finally went to auction in 2024 at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a premier rare coin auction house. Despite its worn condition, its rarity and fascinating backstory sparked a bidding war. When the hammer fell, the once-humble nickel sold for an astonishing $601,000.
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. Today, it sits proudly in a display case, where visitors can admire it and learn about its incredible journey from pizza payment to numismatic legend.
The Legacy of the Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, remains one of America’s most beloved coin designs, featuring a Native American chief on the obverse and a majestic buffalo on the reverse. The 1918/7-D overdate variant, however, stands apart—not just for its rarity, but for the remarkable story behind its discovery.
A Lesson in Hidden Treasures
This story reminds us that extraordinary value can be found in the most unexpected places. How often do we overlook the coins in our pockets, our drawers, or our couch cushions? That ordinary-looking nickel or dime might just be the next great discovery.
So next time you handle loose change, take a closer look. You never know—you might be holding a piece of history.
