In the world of pocket change, surprises still exist — and one of the biggest shockers might be hiding in plain sight. A Buffalo Nickel, a coin once exchanged casually for a soda or gum, has stunned collectors after one version sold for a jaw-dropping $703,000. Yes, a coin you might still spot in circulation could actually be a fortune waiting to be discovered.
What Is the Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel, also called the Indian Head Nickel, was minted between 1913 and 1938 by the United States Mint. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the coin features a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison (commonly referred to as a buffalo) on the reverse.
What makes this coin so iconic isn’t just its design — it’s the cultural legacy it represents. It was one of the first U.S. coins to depict a realistic Native American and an animal native to the American plains.
The $703,000 Coin: Why Is It So Valuable?
The version of the Buffalo Nickel that fetched $703,000 wasn’t an ordinary one. This high-value coin is believed to be a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel struck in error at the start of the Buffalo Nickel series. Only five known specimens of this type exist today.
So how did a Liberty Head design end up in a Buffalo Nickel batch? Experts suggest it was likely created under mysterious or unauthorized circumstances at the Philadelphia Mint. It’s these rare minting anomalies — combined with historical significance and pristine condition — that push the value to six figures and beyond.
The particular specimen that sold for $703,000 was graded Proof 63 by major grading services and came with impeccable documentation, contributing further to its sky-high value.
Could Rare Buffalo Nickels Still Be in Circulation?
While it’s highly unlikely that a 1913 error version is floating around in your local coin jar, there are still valuable Buffalo Nickels out there — and some may still show up in pocket change, estate sales, or inherited coin jars.
Key dates and mint marks to look for include:
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse
- 1918/7-D Overdate
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
- 1921-S Low Mintage
- 1913 Type 2 (on raised mound) from Denver or San Francisco Mints
Many of these coins, even in worn condition, are worth hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dollars.
What to Check Before You Spend It
If you stumble upon a Buffalo Nickel, don’t spend it right away. Here’s what you should examine:
- Date and Mint Mark: Located under the “FIVE CENTS” label. Look for rare years or San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) mints.
- Condition: Uncirculated or lightly circulated coins are worth far more.
- Error Indicators: Look for unusual details — missing legs on the buffalo, misaligned dates, or doubling in the lettering.
A coin that looks old or odd might be more than a relic — it could be a life-changing discovery.
The Collector Craze Behind Buffalo Nickels
Buffalo Nickels remain one of the most collected U.S. coins, largely due to their nostalgic design and potential value. Coin dealers, estate auctions, and online marketplaces frequently see bidding wars over rare variants of these coins.
Some collectors focus solely on finding “full horn” nickels — coins where the buffalo’s horn is fully visible, indicating minimal wear and higher value. Others chase mint errors and low-mintage years.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Pocket Change
The tale of the $703K Buffalo Nickel is more than just a headline — it’s a reminder that even in an age of digital wallets, physical change can hold real value. While your odds of finding a million-dollar nickel are slim, there are still treasures to be found in circulation, especially in old collections and forgotten drawers.
So next time you get change back at a diner or pull out an old coin jar, take a second look. That worn, forgotten nickel might be worth more than you ever imagined.
Disclaimer: This article does not guarantee the value of any specific coin. Professional grading and authentication are essential for assessing a coin’s real worth.
