Imagine paying for groceries and getting a nickel back worth nearly a million dollars! That’s what happened when a rare Buffalo Nickel, found in loose change at a Michigan grocery store, sold for a jaw-dropping $980,000 at auction. Known as the Indian Head Nickel, these coins from 1913 to 1938 are still out there in wallets, coin jars, or cash registers. This amazing find has people checking their change for a life-changing treasure. Let’s explore why this nickel is so valuable and how you can spot one in your pocket.
A Coin with a Wild West Story
The Buffalo Nickel, minted from 1913 to 1938, is a piece of American history. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it shows a Native American on the front and a buffalo on the back, capturing the spirit of the Old West. Made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, millions were produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Most are worth a few bucks, but rare errors or dates make some worth thousands—or even millions. The grocery store find was a 1936-D “3½ Leg” error, a super-rare coin that stunned collectors.
Why This Nickel Sold for a Fortune
The $980,000 nickel is a 1936-D Buffalo Nickel with a “3½ Leg” error, caused when the Denver Mint over-polished the die, making the buffalo’s front leg look half-missing. Only a few exist in good condition, and finding one in circulation is almost unheard of. Other valuable Buffalo Nickels include the 1918/7-D overdate (worth up to $601,000) or the 1913 Liberty Head (only five exist, valued at millions). The grocery store coin’s pristine condition and wild backstory pushed its auction price to $980,000, making headlines.
How to Spot a Valuable Buffalo Nickel
You don’t need to be a coin expert to find a treasure. Here’s what to check:
- Date and mint mark: Look for “1936-D” or other key years like 1918, 1926, or 1937 under “FIVE CENTS” on the back.
- Errors: Use a magnifying glass to spot a half-missing front leg on the buffalo or doubled dates, like 1918/7.
- Condition: Coins with clear details, like the Native American’s braid or buffalo’s horn, are worth more.
- Weight: Should be about 5 grams; odd weights might mean a rare error.
| Feature | Common Buffalo Nickel | Rare Buffalo Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1913–1938 | 1936-D, 1918/7, 1926-S |
| Mint Mark | P, D, or S | D or S (often errors) |
| Error | None | 3½ Leg, overdate, doubled |
| Estimated Value | $1–$10 | $1,000–$980,000+ (if rare) |
Where to Find These Hidden Gems
Buffalo Nickels haven’t been minted since 1938, but they still pop up in change, old jars, or family collections. The Michigan find came from a family-run convenience store’s change, showing these coins can appear anywhere. In 2023, a 1937-D Three-Legged nickel worth $150,000 was found in a coin roll from a bank. Check your change from stores, vending machines, or flea markets. Old piggy banks or inherited coin stashes are also great spots to hunt for these rare nickels.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Nickel
If you think you’ve got a valuable Buffalo Nickel, don’t clean it—cleaning can wreck its value. Store it in a plastic coin holder to keep it safe. Take clear photos and compare them to known rare coins online, like the 1936-D “3½ Leg” or 1918/7-D overdate. Then, contact a grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity and condition. If it’s a real gem, auction houses like Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions can help you sell for top dollar. Be cautious of quick offers, as scams target rare coin finds.
Start Checking Your Change Today
The $980,000 Buffalo Nickel found at a grocery store proves that treasures are still hiding in everyday change. With rare errors like the 1936-D “3½ Leg” or 1918/7-D overdate, a simple nickel could be worth a fortune. Claims of $15.1 million or $6.1 million nickels are likely exaggerated, so stick to trusted sources like PCGS for accurate values. Grab a magnifying glass, check those old nickels, and look for errors or key dates. Your next handful of change might hold a piece of history worth nearly a million bucks