Rare Buffalo Nickel Discovered In Old Gas Station Sells For Over $900,000
In a stunning discovery, a rare Buffalo Nickel found inside a decades-old gas station drawer has sold for more than $900,000 at a U.S. coin auction.
The unexpected find is now making headlines among collectors and sparking curiosity nationwide about what rare treasures might be hiding in everyday places.
The Accidental Discovery of a Fortune
The story begins in a small town in the Midwest, where a renovation team was dismantling an abandoned gas station. Hidden inside a rusted cash drawer was a coin that looked old but unremarkable — at least at first glance.
It caught the eye of a volunteer coin enthusiast on the crew, who noticed the distinct Native American portrait and American bison engraved on either side.
After closer inspection, the coin was identified as a Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, produced between 1913 and 1938. But what made this coin truly extraordinary was its rare minting anomaly.
Why This Buffalo Nickel Sold for $900,000
The coin turned out to be a 1918/7-D overdate Buffalo Nickel — one of the most coveted minting errors in U.S. coin history.
Key Features of the Coin:
- Mint Year: 1918/7-D (Denver Mint)
- Error Type: Overdate – “1918” punched over “1917”
- Condition: MS-64 (Mint State 64)
- Auction Price: $903,000
Only a limited number of these overdate nickels exist in such high condition. Most were lost to circulation or worn down over time.
Experts from a professional coin grading service authenticated and rated the coin before it was sent to auction, where intense bidding pushed the final sale past $900K.
Buffalo Nickel Value Table – Rare Varieties to Know
| Coin Variant | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Approx. Value (MS Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Overdate | D (Denver) | 1918 over 1917 error | $250,000 – $950,000+ |
| 1916 Doubled Die Obverse | No Mint | Doubling on date and lettering | $30,000 – $125,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Bison | D (Denver) | One missing leg on bison | $10,000 – $80,000+ |
| 1913 Type 2 | No Mint | Bison on line instead of mound | $5,000 – $25,000+ |
A New Boom in Coin Collecting
This sale has revived excitement across the numismatic community. Collectors and even casual enthusiasts are now checking drawers, piggy banks, and forgotten containers in search of hidden treasures.
With values like this, an old nickel could mean a life-changing windfall.
The Buffalo Nickel was designed by James Earle Fraser and represents a deep symbol of Native American culture and the American frontier spirit. Its artistry and historical relevance make it one of the most collectible coins in the U.S.
Could You Have a Rare Nickel at Home?
Collectors recommend examining any nickels dated from 1913–1938, especially if they show:
- Unusual date markings (e.g., doubled digits)
- Smooth fields with minimal wear
- Variants in bison leg placement or missing features
If you suspect you’ve found a rare coin, consult a professional coin dealer or certified grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify authenticity and value.
The sale of the $900K Buffalo Nickel from an old gas station is a powerful reminder that hidden treasures can still be found in unexpected places.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, it’s worth checking your old change — because that one coin in your pocket might just be worth a fortune.
FAQs
What made the Buffalo Nickel found at the gas station so valuable?
It was a 1918/7-D overdate error — one of the rarest Buffalo Nickels, authenticated and graded MS-64.
Where was the coin found?
Inside a rusted drawer during the renovation of a long-abandoned gas station in the U.S. Midwest.
How can I tell if my Buffalo Nickel is rare or valuable?
Check for date errors, mint marks, and unusual features. Have it evaluated by a certified coin grading service for accuracy.
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