Imagine finding a nickel in your pocket that’s worth over $900,000. The 1943 Buffalo Nickel without a mint mark is one such treasure, a rare coin that collectors dream of owning. Minted during a time of war and change, these nickels are still out there in circulation, waiting to be discovered. While most Buffalo Nickels are worth just five cents, a few rare versions can make you rich. Let’s uncover why this coin is so special and how you might spot one.
A Coin with a Wild Past
The Buffalo Nickel, officially called the Indian Head Nickel, was minted from 1913 to 1938, with some exceptions like 1943. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it features a Native American portrait on one side and a buffalo on the other, capturing the spirit of the American West. During World War II, nickel was needed for the war effort, so most 1943 nickels were made of other metals. But a few mistakes slipped through, creating rare versions that are now worth a fortune.
The $900,000 Prize
What makes a 1943 Buffalo Nickel so valuable? It’s all about rare errors and missing mint marks. Normally, nickels from 1943 have a mint mark—like “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver—showing where they were made. But a tiny number of 1943 nickels were struck without a mint mark due to a minting error, and these are incredibly rare. Another valuable version is the 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel, where a minting mistake left the buffalo with only three legs, fetching high prices.
Here’s a quick look at some high-value Buffalo Nickels:
| Year | Type/Error | Estimated Value | Why It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | No Mint Mark | Up to $900,000 | Minting error, no mint mark |
| 1937-D | Three-Legged | Up to $500,000 | Buffalo missing a leg |
| 1918/7-D | Overdate | Up to $350,000 | Date error, 8 over 7 |
How to Spot a Winner
Finding one of these nickels takes a keen eye. Start by checking the year—focus on 1943 or earlier years like 1937 or 1918. Look for a missing mint mark under the buffalo on the back or errors like a three-legged buffalo. A magnifying glass can help you spot details, like the overdate on a 1918/7-D nickel, where the “8” looks like it’s stamped over a “7.” Condition matters too; coins in good shape are worth more. If you find a potential gem, don’t clean it, as that can lower its value. Take it to a coin dealer for a professional appraisal.
Still Out There in Circulation
Believe it or not, these valuable nickels can still turn up in everyday life. Buffalo Nickels aren’t used much anymore, but they sometimes appear in change, old collections, or family heirlooms. In 2017, a retiree in Ohio found a 1943 no-mint-mark nickel in a jar of old coins, later selling it for over $800,000. Coin experts say thousands of these nickels are still hiding in piggy banks, cash registers, or even on the ground. All it takes is one lucky find to change your life.
Start Your Treasure Hunt
Ready to check your change? Grab a magnifying glass and look at any Buffalo Nickels you find. Focus on coins from 1913 to 1943, and pay close attention to the details. Online guides or coin apps can help you identify rare features, and local coin shops are great for advice. Even if you don’t find a $900,000 nickel, you might discover other valuable coins or just enjoy the thrill of the search. That nickel in your pocket could be more than spare change—it might be a small fortune waiting to be claimed.