Buffalo Nickel Worth $601K Discovered – Look Inside Your Coin Collection

The Buffalo Nickel, minted between 1913 and 1938, is one of the most iconic coins in American history. Collectors love its striking design featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and a majestic bison on the reverse.

Recently, stories have surfaced about a Buffalo Nickel worth $601,000, sparking interest among coin collectors and everyday people alike.

But which coins in this series truly hold such staggering value, and what should you look for in your own collection? Let’s break down the facts, values, and identifying features that make certain Buffalo Nickels worth small fortunes.

Why Buffalo Nickels Are Valuable

Buffalo Nickels were produced in large numbers, but many examples are heavily worn, poorly struck, or common-date issues. However, certain varieties, mint errors, and coins in exceptional condition stand out. Their value comes from three main factors:

• Rarity: Some dates and mintmarks had very low mintages.
• Errors/Varieties: Overdates, doubled dies, and unique varieties bring premium prices.
• Condition: High-grade uncirculated or proof coins can sell for record-breaking amounts.

The Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Ever Sold

While not every Buffalo Nickel is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, some rare dates and varieties have sold for six figures at major auctions.

Key Examples Include:

• 1918/7-D Overdate: One of the most famous varieties, created when a “7” was accidentally struck under the “8” in the date. High-grade examples have sold for more than $350,000.
• 1916 Doubled Die Obverse: This coin shows dramatic doubling in the date and lettering. A strong example can reach over $280,000.
• 1926-S: Known as one of the toughest dates in mint state condition. A gem-quality example sold for over $300,000.
• 1937-D Three Legs: Due to die polishing, the bison appears to have only three legs. High-grade versions sell for close to $100,000.
• 1915 Matte Proof: With extremely low mintage, pristine proof examples have sold for nearly $240,000.

Value Chart of Notable Buffalo Nickels

Coin/Variety	Diagnostics	Grade That Brings Big Money	Approximate Record Value
1918/7-D Overdate	“7” visible under the “8”	MS64–MS66	$350,000+
1916 Doubled Die Obverse	Strong doubling on date & LIBERTY	AU–MS64+	$280,000+
1926-S	Key date, very scarce in MS condition	MS65–MS66	$300,000+
1937-D Three Legs	Missing bison leg	MS65–MS66+	$99,000+
1915 Matte Proof	Satin/matte texture, low mintage	PR68–PR69	$240,000+

How to Identify a Valuable Buffalo Nickel

If you think you may have a rare Buffalo Nickel in your collection, here’s what to check:

1. Date and Mintmark – Focus on 1916, 1918/7-D, 1926-S, and 1937-D. Mintmarks are found below the denomination “FIVE CENTS.”
2. Look for Varieties – Overdates, doubled dies, and the three-legged bison are the most sought after.
3. Grade Condition – The difference between a coin worth $100 and $100,000 often lies in its grade. Coins in MS65 or higher are extremely valuable.
4. Proof Issues – Matte proofs from the early years (1913–1916) and the rare 1915 issue are especially prized.
5. Avoid Cleaning – Cleaning a coin can significantly reduce its value.

Why the $601,000 Story Spreads

The claim of a Buffalo Nickel selling for $601,000 makes for a dramatic headline, and while no public auction record confirms that exact figure, the truth is that several Buffalo Nickels are legitimately worth six figures.

For collectors, this means that finding one of these rarities in a coin jar, old collection, or inheritance could still be life-changing.

The story of a Buffalo Nickel worth $601,000 captures the imagination, but the real takeaway is that certain coins in this series are indeed worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Varieties like the 1918/7-D Overdate, 1916 Doubled Die, and 1926-S in top condition have all set records that make them legendary among collectors. If you have Buffalo Nickels tucked away, now is the time to take a closer look—you could be sitting on a rare treasure worth far more than face value.

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