Sometimes, hidden treasures are closer than you think. They can be tucked away in the back of a drawer, a dusty old attic, or even in your pocket change. This is the incredible true story of how a Buffalo Nickel, once used to pay for a pizza, became a rare collectible worth over $600,000.
Teenager’s Coin a Pizza
It all began in 2007 with a hungry teenager from Pennsylvania. One night, craving pizza, he gathered up whatever change he could find and handed it over to the delivery guy. Among the coins, there was an old, worn-out Buffalo Nickel.
At first glance, there was nothing remarkable about it. Buffalo Nickels were common coins back in the day, minted from 1913 to 1938. It seemed just like another old coin from a grandmother’s collection. But this nickel was hiding something special.
The Coin Shop Discovery
Not long after, the nickel found its way into a small-town coin shop. The store owner, a coin expert, noticed something unusual. The date on the coin was hard to read, but what really caught his eye was a subtle doubling on the buffalo’s image on the back side of the coin.
The shop owner realized that this wasn’t just any old Buffalo Nickel. It was a 1918/7-D overdate Buffalo Nickel, one of the rarest minting errors in U.S. coin history. The coin had been stamped with the year “1918” over a mold from 1917, creating a double impression. Only about 200 of these coins exist today, making it extremely rare.
From Private Collection to Auction
Over the years, the coin changed hands through private collectors, with its value steadily increasing. Its story started gaining attention, and by 2024, the coin was ready to be auctioned at Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a prestigious auction house.
Even though the coin was worn and had been through quite a bit, its rarity and the amazing backstory caused a bidding war. When the auction ended, the final price was an astonishing $601,000. A coin worth just a few cents had now sold for over half a million dollars.
National Treasure
The anonymous buyer who won the auction did something truly remarkable—they donated the coin to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs. Now, the coin sits behind glass in a temperature-controlled display case. Visitors from across the country come to see it, learning about how a simple coin used to buy pizza turned into a piece of American history.
Why This Nickel is Important
Buffalo Nickels are already popular among coin collectors. The design, featuring a Native American portrait on one side and a buffalo on the other, represents a significant part of American history. But the 1918/7-D version is even more special. It’s not just rare—it tells a story of how an ordinary object can have extraordinary value.
Lesson for All of Us
How many of us toss coins into a jar or forget about them after buying something small? This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary things can be treasures. So, the next time you get some coins in change, take a moment to look them over. That old nickel in your pocket might just be worth more than you think. After all, sometimes even a pizza purchase can lead to a life-changing discovery.
FAQs
What is a Buffalo Nickel?
A Buffalo Nickel is a U.S. coin minted from 1913 to 1938 with a buffalo and Native American design.
How much did the rare Buffalo Nickel sell for?
It was sold for $601,000 at an auction.
What is special about the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel?
It has a rare mint error with the year 1918 stamped over 1917.
Where is the coin now?
It’s displayed at the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs.
How many of these rare nickels exist?
Only around 200 are known to exist.
