A Buffalo Nickel just sold for a staggering $400,000—and here’s the shocking reason why. At first glance, it might look like an ordinary coin, but this one hides a minting mistake so rare it turned pocket change into a small fortune. 
What Makes This Buffalo Nickel Worth $400,000?
This isn’t your typical nickel. Here’s why collectors went wild for it:
Struck on the Wrong Coin – Instead of being minted on a nickel planchet, this 1913 Buffalo Nickel was accidentally struck on a $5 gold coin planchet.
Golden Appearance – Unlike the usual nickel-gray color, this rare error coin looks golden.
Unusual Weight – A normal Buffalo Nickel weighs about 5 grams, but this error coin weighed over 8 grams. That overweight detail is a big giveaway.
How to Spot This Rare Buffalo Nickel
If you’re checking your collection, here’s what to look for:
Color – Does it look golden instead of nickel-gray?
Weight – Use a scale. Normal = ~5g. Rare error = ~8g+.
Date – The coin in question was a 1913 Buffalo Nickel.
Why This Coin Is Life-Changing
Most people have seen or even owned Buffalo Nickels at some point. Imagine finding one that turns out to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! That’s why collectors are constantly on the hunt for rare minting errors like this. 
Quick Recap
Coin: 1913 Buffalo Nickel
Error: Struck on a $5 gold coin
Weight: Over 8 grams (instead of 5 grams)
Value: Sold for $400,000
Always check your Buffalo Nickels carefully—you never know when a life-changing rarity could be sitting in your collection or pocket change.
