Life has a funny way of delivering surprises—sometimes through a dusty attic box, an old purse, or, believe it or not, spare change. This is the incredible true tale of a worn-out Buffalo Nickel once used to pay for a pizza, which now sits proudly behind museum glass, valued at more than $600,000.
A Pizza Run That Sparked a Legend
In 2007, a Pennsylvania teen found himself craving a slice of pizza late at night. He gathered up loose change from around the house, just enough to make the purchase. Like most of us, he didn’t inspect the coins too closely. Among the mix of dimes, quarters, and nickels was a ragged-looking Buffalo Nickel.
At first glance, it appeared unremarkable. Buffalo Nickels were produced from 1913 to 1938, and it wasn’t unusual to spot one in old collections or random change jars. But this coin carried a hidden secret, one that went unnoticed even by the delivery driver who accepted it.
An Accidental Discovery at a Coin Shop
The nickel eventually found its way to a small coin shop in a quiet town. The owner, a seasoned numismatist with an eye for detail, noticed something strange. The date on the coin looked off, and the buffalo on the back seemed to show a faint duplication.
What seemed like just another old coin turned out to be anything but. The shop owner recognized its potential rarity and took a closer look under magnification—and what he discovered was astonishing.
The Rare 1918/7-D Overdate Nickel
The coin was identified as a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, one of the rarest and most famous error coins in American minting history. During production, a 1918 date had been struck over a 1917 die, leaving behind a subtle but distinct double date. Only around 200 of these error nickels are believed to still exist in any grade, making it a dream find for any coin collector.
From Pocket Change to Auction Block
The coin quietly changed hands a few times before finally landing in the spotlight. In 2024, it was featured in a major sale hosted by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, one of the top auction houses for rare coins and collectibles.
Though it showed clear signs of wear and age, the coin’s extreme rarity and fascinating backstory created a frenzy among collectors. When bidding closed, the final price reached an astonishing $601,000, proving just how much value could lie in forgotten pocket change.
A Home in a National Treasure Hall
The buyer, choosing to remain anonymous, made a decision that gained national attention. Instead of keeping the coin in a private collection, they donated it to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs.
Now, the once-dismissed nickel is a permanent part of a secure exhibit. Visitors can read the full story beside it and marvel at how a casual pizza purchase ended with a place in the annals of American numismatic history.
More Than Just a Coin
Buffalo Nickels are beloved for their iconic design—a Native American profile on one side and a buffalo on the other. But the 1918/7-D overdate version stands apart as a true rarity. It’s not just about the error—it’s a powerful symbol of how everyday items can be hiding incredible stories just waiting to be uncovered.
What This Teaches Us
Most of us don’t think twice about the coins we handle. They end up in jars, under car seats, or lost at the bottom of a bag. But this story is a reminder that even the most mundane objects can carry real historical value.
So the next time you get coins back as change or clean out your couch cushions, take a closer look. That old nickel or penny could turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
Because who would’ve imagined a simple pizza craving would lead to a priceless piece of history?
FAQs
What makes the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel so valuable?
Its rarity comes from a minting error where 1918 was stamped over 1917, making it a prized collector’s item.
How many 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickels still exist today?
Experts estimate around 200 of these rare error nickels are still known to exist in various conditions.
Where can I see this famous pizza nickel today?
You can view the coin at the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs, where it’s now a permanent exhibit.
Can old coins in circulation still hold high value?
Yes, many rare or error coins still circulate unnoticed and could be worth thousands if identified correctly.
