Finding Unattributed FS Varieties in Circulation: A Cherry Picker’s Guide to the Fivaz-Stanton Question

The Thrill of the Unattributed: Why Cherry Picking is the Holy Grail

You don’t need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots. As a roll hunter, I have spent countless hours hunched over rolls in estate sales, sorting through bulk lots of pocket change, and sifting through the debris of circulated coins. In my experience grading and authenticating thousands of specimens, the most exhilarating discoveries rarely come from the mainstream numismatic channels; they come from the shadows of the hobby—specifically, the unattributed.

Take, for instance, the recent forum discussion surrounding the “Fivaz-Stanton (FS) Variety Question: None attributed as of this date. Would you send it in?” This particular thread encapsulates the exact mindset of the dedicated cherry picker. The individual possessed an unattributed specimen currently housed in a PCGS holder. Because none of this variety had ever been officially slabbed with an FS designation on the label, it represented a monumental opportunity. To the dealer, an unattributed variety might seem like a gamble. But to the collector who appreciates the unusual, an unattributed variety is the ultimate prize—a blank canvas waiting to be illuminated by expert attribution.

“If none have been attributed, that would suggest it is rare. Conversely, it might mean that it is considered too insignificant to slab based on the fees.”

This dichotomy is the heart of the roll hunting cherry picking philosophy. You are hunting for the anomaly. When you find a coin that doesn’t fit the standard catalog, your pulse quickens. Are you holding a hidden treasure, or just another piece of modern commerce?

Roll Hunting Strategies: Scouring Circulation and Bulk Lots

The Art of the Search

The best way to stumble upon an unattributed variety is through relentless, methodical roll hunting. It requires patience, a sharp eye, and a thorough understanding of where these coins hide. Circulation finds and bulk lots are goldmines, but only if you know how to parse through the masses. When I examine rolls from estate sales or bulk lots, I look for subtle die markers, unusual strike patterns, or minting anomalies that deviate from the norm. The Fivaz-Stanton variety, for example, relies heavily on its “Pick Up Point” being very obvious, as noted in the forum discussions. This means the error isn’t subtle; it’s a glaring anomaly waiting to be spotted.

Actionable Takeaways for the Roll Hunter

• Focus on the edges: Coins that exhibit a strong “Pick Up Point” often show micro-flaws or die cracks at the rim that catch the eye.
• Sort by date and mint: Knowing the mintage numbers and historical context helps narrow down where these varieties might exist in circulation.
• Never discard “imperfect” coins: A coin with a slight die crack or a polishing mark might lack eye appeal to a casual observer, but to a cherry picker, it could be the only specimen of its kind.
• Document everything: Always take high-resolution photos of your finds. If you later submit this variety for attribution, having pristine,
  

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