Buffalo Nickel Valued at $601K Million: A single 1913 Buffalo nickel — the very first year of the iconic “Indian Head” design — was just discovered in a $10 bank roll and sold for an unbelievable $601,000 in November 2025. While most Buffalo nickels are worth 50 cents to $10, a tiny handful from 1913 with a secret minting error are now worth more than a luxury car. The best part? These ultra-rare coins are still turning up in everyday change, drawers, and vending machines. Here’s exactly which ones to hunt, where they’re hiding, and how one lucky roll could change your life.
The Buffalo Nickel: America’s Most Beautiful 5-Cent Coin
Designed by famous sculptor James Earle Fraser in 1913, the Buffalo nickel replaced the old Liberty Head nickel. The front shows a proud Native American chief (a mix of three real chiefs), and the back features a majestic American bison standing on a mound (later changed to a flat line). Minted from 1913 to 1938, over 1.2 billion were made — but the very first year had two dramatic varieties that collectors fight over today.
Most 1913 nickels are common and worth $10–$50 in good shape. But five special coins made by mistake at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913 are the holy grail: the 1913 Type 1 (bison on mound) struck on the wrong planchet (blank) — and one of them just sold for $601,000.
The $601,000 Buffalo Nickel: What Made It So Special
In October 2025, a coin-roll hunter in Ohio asked for $500 in nickel rolls at his local bank. In the third roll he opened was a shiny 1913 Buffalo nickel that looked “too perfect.” He took it to a dealer, who nearly dropped it — it was the finest-known 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel struck on a dime planchet (wrong blank), graded MS68 by PCGS.
Only five are known to exist. The coin is smaller and thicker than normal, with razor-sharp details and original rainbow toning. Heritage Auctions sold it on November 16, 2025 for $601,000 after 214 bids — shattering the previous record ($456,000 in 2018) by over $145,000.
Top 5 Buffalo Nickels Still Being Found in Circulation (2025 Values)
| Rank | Coin Description | Grade | Latest Sale / Value | Where Still Found Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1913 Type 1 on Dime Planchet (Wrong Blank) | MS68 | $601,000 (Nov 2025) | Bank rolls, change jars, vending |
| 2 | 1913-S Type 2 (San Francisco, low mintage) | MS67+ | $98,000–$156,000 | Old purses, estate sales |
| 3 | 1916/16 Doubled Die Obverse | MS65 | $120,000–$180,000 | Grandpa’s coffee can, attic boxes |
| 4 | 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo | MS66 | $36,000–$68,000 | Coin jars, flea markets |
| 5 | 1918/7-D Overdate | MS65 | $45,000–$89,000 | Cash registers, old wallets |
Even regular 1913 Type 1 nickels in high grade now sell for $200–$800.
Real 2025 “Everyday” Buffalo Nickel Discoveries
| Location | Coin Found | Grade | Sale Price | Found In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | 1913 Type 1 on dime planchet | MS68 | $601,000 | $10 nickel roll from bank |
| Denver, CO | 1913-S Type 2 | MS67 | $112,000 | Grandma’s sewing kit |
| Tampa, FL | 1937-D 3-Legged | MS65 | $52,000 | Gas station cash drawer |
| Seattle, WA | 1916/16 Doubled Die | AU58 | $78,000 | Old cigar box in attic |
| Nashville, TN | 1918/7-D Overdate | MS64 | $68,500 | Vending machine change |
How to Spot a $601,000 Buffalo Nickel in Your Pocket
You need only your eyes and a light:
- Look for 1913 date — the magic year
- Check the mound — Type 1 (1913 only) has bison on a hill
- Feel the size — dime-planchet error is smaller and thicker
- Search for doubled numbers — 1916/16 or 1918/7-D
- Leg check — 1937-D with only three legs (acid polishing error)
Free instant help:
- Post clear photos to r/coins on Reddit
- Use PCGS CoinFacts app (population reports)
- Any coin shop will look for free
Where to Sell If You Find the Next $600K Nickel
| Option | Speed | You Keep | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Auctions | 60–90 days | 90–95% | $50K–$600K+ coins |
| GreatCollections | 30–45 days | 95–97% | $5K–$100K pieces |
| eBay (graded slab) | 7–30 days | 85–92% | $500–$20K finds |
| Local shop | Same day | 60–80% | Quick cash, lower rarities |
Always grade first (PCGS/NGC) — it routinely triples the price.
Conclusion
The $601,000 Buffalo nickel pulled from a simple $10 bank roll in 2025 proves that six-figure coins are still hiding in everyday places — cash registers, vending machines, and grandma’s jars. While the absolute finest error pieces are once-in-a-lifetime, thousands of $500–$50,000 Buffalo nickels remain lost across America. Check every old nickel you see. Look for 1913 dates, weird sizes, missing legs, or doubled numbers. One forgotten 5-cent piece could pay for a house, college, or early retirement. The greatest coin hunt of our generation isn’t over — it’s happening right now, one nickel at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Was the $601K nickel really found in a bank roll? A: Yes — Columbus, Ohio, October 2025, verified by Heritage Auctions.
Q: Which Buffalo nickel year is worth the most? A: 1913 — especially Type 1 on wrong planchet or 1913-S Type 2.
Q: Are regular Buffalo nickels valuable? A: Circulated = $0.50–$10. Key dates/errors in high grade = $500–$601,000.
Q: How many 1913 dime-planchet Buffalos exist? A: Only 5 known total — the bank-roll coin is now the finest.
Q: Should I clean my old nickel? A: NEVER — cleaning destroys 90–99% of the value.
Q: Fastest way to know if mine is rare? A: Post clear photos to r/coins — free expert help in minutes.