Cherry Picking Buffalo Nickels: How to Spot Rare Varieties in Circulation

You don’t need a professional dealer to uncover hidden numismatic treasures. Some of our most thrilling discoveries happen while sifting through everyday circulation coins, bulk lots, or estate sale finds. Take this lively forum discussion about a 1917 Buffalo nickel – it’s proof that ordinary coins can reveal extraordinary secrets when you’ve honed your collector’s eye.

The Enduring Magic of Buffalo Nickels

Since their 1913 debut, James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo nickels have captured America’s spirit like few coin designs before or since. The powerful Native American portrait and majestic bison create timeless eye appeal, yet their high-relief design proved fragile in circulation. Dates wore smooth within months, making well-struck survivors with strong luster the holy grail for today’s variety hunters.

Decoding a Numismatic Mystery

The collector community recently buzzed over this perplexing 1917 Philadelphia specimen:

“The buffalo’s front leg looks completely transformed! Is this post-mint damage, a struck-through error, or something more significant? I’ve handled hundreds of Buffs but never seen this particular anomaly.”

This coin embodies why we love the hunt – that electric moment when you spot something unusual in a supposedly common date. While the photo can’t provide definitive answers, the debate showcased essential authentication skills every serious collector should master.

Essential Markers for Buffalo Nickel Collectibility

When evaluating potential finds, train your eyes on these critical features:

Date and Mint Mark Secrets

• Philadelphia (1917): No mint mark, 51 million struck – but rare varieties still emerge
• Prized Rarities: 1916/16 Doubled Die (the “King of Buffalo Nickels”), 1918/7-D overdate
• Sleeper Semi-Keys: 1921-S, 1926-S – often overlooked in lower grades

Wear Patterns Tell the Story

The buffalo’s horn tip and shoulder typically show first wear. Our 1917 specimen reveals:

• Partial horn detail suggesting VF condition
• Crisp LIBERTY on headband – a key grading factor
• Flattening along the bison’s spine from circulation

Cracking the Error Code

Forum experts debated the leg anomaly with forensic precision:

• Post-Mint Damage: “The uneven patina suggests possible abrasion”
• Die Deterioration: “1917 dies were overworked – look for flow lines near the leg”
• Strike-Through Error: “Could be fabric or grease on the die during striking”
• Planchet Quirk: “Metallic impurities sometimes create dramatic cavities”

Proven Strategies for Cherry Picking Success

Circulation Finds That Pay Off

My best finds came from:

• Bank-wrapped nickel rolls (focus on pre-1960 dates)
• Coin counter reject trays – error coins often get kicked out
• Gas station change drawers – you’d be surprised what turns up!

Pro Tip: Buffalo nickels frequently hide in Jefferson nickel rolls. Develop a rapid-scan technique – date, mint mark, strike quality – then inspect for errors.

Mining Gold from Bulk Lots

Never underestimate “junk” bins containing:

• World coin mixes (European coins often harbor stray Buffs)
• Mechanically damaged US coins (errors sometimes get lumped in)
• Unsearched collections (dealers occasionally miss conditional rarities)

That intriguing 1917 example? Almost certainly rescued from an “unsorted” lot.

Estate Sale Masterclass

At sales, I always:

• Ask specifically for “grandpa’s old coin jar”
• Check dresser valets and cigar boxes – classic storage spots
• Inspect albums under strong light – toning can hide key details

“This nickel deserved veteran eyes like Ron’s – he’d have spotted its story immediately.”

Understanding Numismatic Value

While our 1917 example shows wear, its mystery creates collectibility potential:

Premiums come from:

• Attribution to known varieties (consult the Cherrypickers’ Guide!)
• Documented mint errors with strong eye appeal
• Historical provenance that enhances its story

Preserving Your Finds

When you uncover a potential gem:

1. Handle like ancient parchment – edges only!
2. Use archival-quality flips – acidic holders destroy surfaces
3. Study specialized references (Bressett’s Buffalo book is essential)
4. Consider NGC/PCGS grading for significant errors – encapsulation protects value

Why We Chase These Moments

This 1917 Buffalo nickel debate captures our obsession perfectly:

• The adrenaline rush of unresolved attribution
• Generational knowledge passed through collector networks
• Democratized discovery – no trust fund required!

As the forum member perfectly stated: “The history in your palm – that’s what keeps us digging.”

Go Forth and Hunt!

This humble 1917 Buffalo nickel reminds us that numismatic magic hides in plain sight. Whether you’re scanning bank rolls, sifting estate sale finds, or studying bulk lots, remember: every worn copper-nickel disc holds potential. That next strike-through error, dramatic die break, or pedigree specimen could be waiting in your next coin tray. Keep your loupe clean, your references handy, and your passion burning. The thrill of discovery awaits!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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