A Coin Worth Millions
Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth over a million dollars. The Buffalo Nickel, minted between 1913 and 1938, is a piece of American history that can sometimes be worth a fortune. Most of these nickels are only worth a few cents, but certain rare versions have sold for jaw-dropping prices at auctions. For example, a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel in great condition fetched $350,500 in 2006, and some experts say top examples could hit $1 million today. Could you have one of these treasures hiding in your change?
Why Some Nickels Are Special
The value of a Buffalo Nickel depends on its rarity and condition. The 1918/7-D is famous because of a minting error where a “7” was stamped over an “8” in the date. Other valuable ones include the 1916 Double Die, where the design was stamped twice, and the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo, where the buffalo appears to have only three legs due to a polishing mistake. Coins in near-perfect condition, graded by experts like PCGS or NGC, are the ones that bring in big money. Even worn versions of these rare coins can be worth thousands.
| Rare Buffalo Nickel | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| 1918/7-D | Overdate error (7 over 8) |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | Buffalo missing a leg |
How to Spot a Valuable Nickel
Checking your coins is easier than you think. Look at the date and mint mark on the front of the Buffalo Nickel, just below the Native American’s head. A small “D” means it was minted in Denver, and an “S” means San Francisco. No mark means Philadelphia. Use a magnifying glass to check for errors like the 1918/7-D overdate or the three-legged buffalo on the back. Condition matters too; coins with sharp details and no heavy wear are more valuable. If you think you have a rare one, take it to a professional coin dealer for grading.
| Mint Mark | Location |
|---|---|
| D | Denver |
| S | San Francisco |
Where to Find These Coins
Buffalo Nickels are still out there. You might find them in old coin collections, at estate sales, or even in loose change from older relatives. Coin shops, flea markets, and online marketplaces like eBay are good places to look, but be careful of fakes. Some sellers try to pass off altered coins as rare errors. Always buy from trusted dealers or have the coin authenticated by a grading service before spending big. Even common Buffalo Nickels are fun to collect for their history and cool design.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve got a rare Buffalo Nickel, don’t clean it. Cleaning can ruin its value by scratching the surface or removing its natural shine. Store it in a soft plastic coin holder to keep it safe. Take it to a reputable coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for an expert opinion. They’ll tell you if it’s a genuine rarity and what it’s worth. If it’s valuable, you could sell it at auction or to a collector for a life-changing amount.
The History Behind the Coin
The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, shows a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other. It was meant to celebrate America’s frontier heritage. Minted during a time of great change, these coins were used when cars were replacing horses and World War I was on the horizon. Their unique look and historical value make them a favorite among collectors, even if they’re not the million-dollar kind.
Start Your Treasure Hunt
You don’t need to be a coin expert to start looking for a valuable Buffalo Nickel. Check your spare change, dig through old jars, or visit a local coin shop. The thrill of finding a rare coin is what makes collecting exciting. While the odds of finding a million-dollar nickel are slim, even less rare ones can be worth hundreds or thousands. So, next time you get some change, take a closer look, you might just have a hidden treasure in your pocket.