Buffalo Nickel Story: In the world of coin collecting, some of the most exciting discoveries happen in the most ordinary places – pocket change, inherited collections, or even transactions as simple as buying pizza. One such remarkable find was a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel that initially looked like any other worn nickel but turned out to be worth over $600,000.
The Accidental Discovery
The story begins in 2007 when a Pennsylvania resident used a handful of coins, including a well-circulated Buffalo Nickel, to pay for a routine purchase. At the time, no one suspected this ordinary-looking nickel was anything special. Years later, the coin resurfaced at a local coin shop where an experienced numismatist noticed subtle irregularities in its design.
Identifying a Rare Mint Error
Upon closer examination using professional grading tools, the expert identified the nickel as a 1918/7-D overdate variety. This rare error occurred when the U.S. Mint accidentally overpunched a 1918 date over a 1917 die at the Denver mint. The result was a coin with visible doubling in both the date and design elements – a mistake that makes this variety exceptionally rare, with only about 200 specimens known to exist today.
From Pocket Change to Auction Star
After being properly authenticated and graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the nickel entered the numismatic market. In 2024, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a premier rare coin auction house, offered the coin in one of their prestigious sales. Despite its circulated condition (graded “Good” by PCGS), the nickel’s rarity and historical significance generated tremendous interest, ultimately selling for $601,000.
Preserving History for Future Generations
In a generous act of preservation, the anonymous buyer donated this numismatic treasure to the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum in Colorado Springs. Museum curator Douglas Mudd noted, “This coin represents both an important minting error and a wonderful example of how extraordinary items can be found in everyday circulation. It’s exactly the kind of object we want to preserve and display for educational purposes.”
Why the Buffalo Nickel Remains Popular
First minted in 1913, James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel design remains one of America’s most beloved coin series. The obverse features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs, while the reverse depicts an American bison. While millions were produced, certain varieties like the 1918/7-D overdate are exceptionally rare due to minting errors.
Tips for Checking Your Own Coins
Numismatic experts suggest:
- Carefully examine dates and mint marks on older coins
- Look for any unusual doubling in design elements
- Consult reputable coin grading services for authentication
- Handle rare coins carefully to preserve their condition
The Importance of Numismatic Preservation
This nickel’s journey from circulation to museum display highlights why coin collecting remains such a fascinating hobby. As American Numismatic Association President Col. Steven Ellsworth explains, “Every coin tells a story – about our history, our economy, and sometimes about incredible strokes of luck. That’s what makes numismatics so compelling.”
For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, stories like this serve as reminders that important pieces of our past might still be waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places.
