A Pizza Night with Hidden Value
In the world of rare coins, few stories are as surprising as that of a Buffalo Nickel. What started as a casual payment for a pizza would transform into a stunning six-figure treasure displayed in a major museum.
Buffalo Nickel That Paid for Pizza
Back in 2007, a teenager in Pennsylvania used some loose change to pay for a late-night pizza. Among the dimes, quarters, and pennies, there was an old Buffalo Nickel—an iconic coin minted between 1913 and 1938. The coin, worn and unremarkable, went unnoticed by the delivery driver and slipped into everyday circulation.
A Collector’s Eye Changes Everything
Two weeks later, the coin ended up in the cash drawer of a small coin shop. The owner, sorting through daily transactions, immediately recognized something special about the nickel. Despite the faded date, the buffalo’s distinct positioning, the overdate, and subtle doubling on the reverse were enough to catch his attention.
After some research, it was confirmed: this was no ordinary coin. It was a rare 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, a prized error coin with a notable overdate—a 1918 struck over a 1917 die. With fewer than 200 examples in good condition, this nickel became one of the most coveted coins in the Buffalo Nickel series.
The Auction That Shocked the Coin World
In 2024, after changing hands between private collectors, the coin was put up for auction by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Despite its circulated condition, the bidding was intense. Collectors and institutions eagerly competed for the chance to own the historic piece.
When the auction ended, the final bid shocked everyone: $601,000.
Experts attribute the high price not just to the coin’s rarity but to the remarkable story behind it. A coin used to pay for a pizza becoming a six-figure asset? It’s the kind of narrative that captivates numismatic enthusiasts.
Now a Museum Centerpiece
After the sale, the anonymous new owner loaned the coin to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs, where it is displayed in a secure, climate-controlled exhibit. The museum proudly showcases the nickel, including a note about its unlikely origins and its recent record-breaking price.
Visitors flock to see the coin, not only for its numismatic value but also for the fascinating tale of how it was once part of a pizza purchase. It has quickly become one of the museum’s most popular exhibits.
Why It Captures So Many Imaginations
Buffalo Nickels are steeped in American history, their designs featuring a Native American figure on one side and an American bison on the other—symbols of national pride and nostalgia.
But rare coins like the 1918/7-D overdate remind us that valuable treasures can hide in plain sight. In this case, it sat unnoticed in a change jar or was casually used to pay for a pizza.
Final Thoughts
This story highlights the hidden gems that might be circulating in America’s pockets, piggy banks, and forgotten drawers. While not everyone will stumble upon a coin worth six figures, the tale of the Buffalo Nickel that once paid for a slice of pizza serves as a reminder that history often hides in the most unexpected places.
Faq
What makes the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel so rare?
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a rare error coin with a distinctive overdate, where a 1918 date was struck over a 1917 die. There are fewer than 200 known examples in good condition, making it highly sought after by collectors.
How did the coin end up in a pizza payment?
In 2007, a teenager unknowingly paid for a pizza with the rare Buffalo Nickel, which was then circulated through regular change until it was eventually spotted by a coin shop owner.
Why did the coin fetch such a high price at auction?
The coin’s rarity, along with its fascinating backstory of being used for a pizza purchase, drove its auction price up to $601,000, captivating collectors and institutions alike.
Where is the Buffalo Nickel displayed now?
After being sold, the rare coin was loaned to the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs, where it is securely displayed as part of a popular exhibit.