Ever think a small coin in your pocket could be worth a fortune? While most change is only worth its face value, some rare coins are worth millions. One such treasure is the Buffalo Nickel—a five-cent piece first made in 1913. Although most are only worth a few dollars today, certain rare versions have sold for jaw-dropping amounts. In fact, one Buffalo Nickel sold for an unbelievable $6.1 million!
The Story Behind the Buffalo Nickel
Also called the Indian Head Nickel, the Buffalo Nickel was designed by famous sculptor James Earle Fraser. It showed a Native American chief on one side and a buffalo on the other. The coin celebrated America’s wild past and honored Native American culture. It was produced from 1913 to 1938 and quickly became a favorite among Americans. While millions were made, only a few rare versions are now highly valuable to collectors.
Why One Nickel Sold for $6.1 Million
The most valuable Buffalo Nickel is actually a mistake—the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. That year, the U.S. Mint had switched to the new Buffalo design, but somehow five coins were still made using the older Liberty Head design. Since only five are known to exist, collectors consider it incredibly rare. One of these rare coins sold for $6.1 million, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world.
Other Rare Buffalo Nickels to Watch For
Even if you don’t find a $6 million coin, other Buffalo Nickels can still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Keep an eye out for:
- 1913 nickels with a “D” or “S” mint mark – These had low mintage numbers.
- The 1937-D “three-legged” nickel – A mistake made the buffalo look like it only has three legs.
- The 1916 doubled die nickel – A printing error caused parts of the image to appear twice.
These rare versions are highly wanted by coin collectors.
How to Spot a Valuable Buffalo Nickel
Want to see if your nickel is worth something? Look for these signs:
- Date: Older nickels (1913–1919) are usually more valuable.
- Mint mark: Check under “FIVE CENTS” on the back for letters like “D” or “S”.
- Condition: Coins with little wear are worth more.
- Errors: Look for unusual features like missing details, double images, or crooked designs.
The better the condition and rarer the features, the higher the coin’s value.
What to Do If You Find One
Think you found a rare Buffalo Nickel? Don’t clean it—cleaning can lower its value. Instead:
- Put it in a safe holder to avoid damage.
- Get it checked by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider your selling options. High-value coins are often sold at big auctions, while less rare ones might do well with online collectors or trusted coin shops.
Even if your nickel isn’t worth millions, it could still hold value and historical interest.
Final Thoughts
While finding a multi-million-dollar nickel is rare, hunting for old coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Buffalo Nickels connect us to the early 1900s, giving us a piece of history we can actually hold. Who knows? That old jar of coins in your house might be hiding a small fortune.
FAQs
1. What is the most valuable Buffalo Nickel ever sold?
The most valuable is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, which sold for $6.1 million. Only five are known to exist.
2. How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is worth anything?
Check the date, mint mark, condition, and look for minting errors. Older coins and rare versions are usually worth more.
3. Is it okay to clean my coin to make it look nicer?
No. Never clean rare coins—this can reduce their value. Keep them in a protective case and have them looked at by a professional.
4. Where can I sell a rare Buffalo Nickel?
You can sell valuable coins through auction houses, trusted coin dealers, or online marketplaces—but always have them authenticated first.