Viral posts often suggest a Buffalo Nickel worth $601,000, but verified auction records don’t support that figure.
The highest confirmed sale for a Buffalo Nickel remains the 1918/7-D overdate, which realized $350,750 in August 2006.
Other elite Buffalo Nickels have sold in the $280,000–$322,000 range, still extraordinary—but not $601,000.
Can a Buffalo Nickel still turn up in change?
Buffalo Nickels were minted from 1913–1938, so they’re not in active circulation today. That said, coins occasionally resurface in coin-roll hunts, inherited jars, or cashier tills—just don’t bank on it.
If you do spot one, check for famous varieties: 1918/7-D overdate, 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1926-S low-mintage, and 1937-D Three Legs. These are the big money makers when authenticated and high grade.
How to spot the most valuable Buffalo Nickels
- 1918/7-D Overdate: A clear “7” beneath the 8 in the date; Denver mintmark D on reverse. Top example sold for $350,750.
- 1916 Doubled Die Obverse: Strong doubling on the date and LIBERTY. A Mint State piece brought $281,750.
- 1937-D Three Legs: The buffalo’s front right leg is missing from die overpolishing; record sale $99,875 in MS66+.
- 1926-S: Scarce low mintage (970,000); record $322,000 in MS66.
Quick reference: real record prices (verified)
| Variety | Key Identifier | Record Price (Grade) | Date of Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Overdate | 7 visible under the 8; “D” mintmark | $350,750 (MS65) | Aug 16, 2006 |
| 1926-S | Low mintage San Francisco issue | $322,000 (MS66) | Apr 1, 2008 |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obv. | Strong doubling on date/LIBERTY | $281,750 (MS64) | Aug 2004 |
| 1937-D Three Legs | Missing front leg on buffalo | $99,875 (MS66+) | Oct 28, 2021 |
What your coin needs to be worth top dollar
- Authentication & Variety: Third-party grading (PCGS/NGC) confirms the coin and the variety.
- High Grade: Uncirculated MS coins command exponential premiums versus worn pieces.
- Eye Appeal: Strike, luster, and minimal marks matter, especially on Buffalo Nickels where details wear quickly.
A $601,000 Buffalo Nickel headline makes great clickbait, but verified sales cap out at $350,750 for the series.
If you find a Buffalo Nickel in a change jar or roll, inspect the date, mintmark, and known diagnostics above—then consider professional certification. That’s the only path from pocket change to five or six figures.
FAQs
Are Buffalo Nickels still legal tender?
Yes, but they’re no longer minted and rarely seen in circulation; most valuable pieces trade through the collector market.
What’s the single most valuable Buffalo Nickel to date?
The 1918/7-D overdate holds the top spot with a $350,750 record in 2006.
Which dates should beginners look for first?
Start with 1918/7-D, 1916 Doubled Die Obverse, 1926-S, and 1937-D Three Legs—the series’ marquee rarities.