Finding 1914/3 Buffalo Nickels in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt

There’s nothing quite like the rush of discovering a hidden gem in a roll of ordinary coins. For numismatists who relish the hunt, the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel remains one of the most coveted treasures. This overdate variety, where a 1913 die was repunched with a ‘4’ to create 1914-dated dies, is a fascinating piece of minting history that continues to captivate collectors.

Historical Significance of the 1914/3

The 1914/3 Buffalo nickel is a testament to the resourcefulness of early 20th-century mints. In an era when maximizing die usage and managing production costs were paramount, this overdate variety emerged. The remnants of the underlying ‘3’ beneath the ‘4’ in the date are a clear indicator of this minting practice, making it a prized find for collectors who appreciate the story behind the coin.

PCGS Attribution Controversy

The numismatic community has been abuzz with debate over PCGS’s stance on the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel. Reports suggest that PCGS has ceased attributing this variety, particularly for the Philadelphia and Denver mint marks. One collector shared their experience of having their 1914/3 nickel returned as a regular 1914 in VF35, just missing the cutoff for variety attribution. According to PCGS’s cherry picker exclusions list, they do not attribute the 1914/3-S variety, though they may still attribute the Philadelphia and Denver issues if die polish above the date is present. This selective attribution has created a rift in the market, leaving collectors in a state of uncertainty.

Identifying Key Markers

When scouring rolls or bulk lots, keep an eye out for these key characteristics:

• Clear remnants of the underlying ‘3’ visible beneath the ‘4’ in the date
• Die polish marks above the date, which may increase attribution chances
• Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S) mint marks
• Wear patterns that don’t obscure the overdate feature

The Philadelphia and Denver varieties are generally considered the most desirable, while the 1914/3-S remains controversial and is not attributed by PCGS.

Where to Search

The best places to find these varieties include:

• Bank rolls of circulated nickels
• Bulk lots from estate sales and auctions
• Antique shops and flea markets
• Online marketplaces specializing in bulk coin lots

Many collectors have reported success finding these varieties in mixed lots where the seller was unaware of the coin’s significance.

Value Considerations

The value of a 1914/3 Buffalo nickel varies significantly based on attribution and condition. Coins in NGC holders that were previously rejected by PCGS have sold in the numismatic market, though typically at a discount compared to fully attributed specimens. The controversy surrounding PCGS’s attribution policy has created a bifurcated market where some collectors still value these coins while others remain skeptical.

Authentication Challenges

One collector shared images of their 1914/3 nickel that was returned as a regular 1914 by PCGS. This highlights the subjective nature of variety attribution and the importance of working with reputable dealers or third-party graders when dealing with controversial varieties. The numismatic community remains divided on whether these coins truly represent overdates or are simply the result of die deterioration or other minting anomalies.

Current Market Status

Based on collector reports, PCGS appears to have largely stopped attributing the 1914/3 variety, particularly for the San Francisco mint mark. The Philadelphia and Denver issues may still receive attribution if specific die characteristics are present. This has led many collectors to abandon their pursuit of the variety, though others continue to seek these coins for their historical interest and potential future recognition.

Conclusion

The 1914/3 Buffalo nickel represents both an exciting treasure hunt opportunity and a cautionary tale about the complexities of variety collecting. While PCGS attribution may be difficult to obtain, these coins remain collectible for those who appreciate their historical significance. For roll hunters and cherry pickers, the possibility of finding one of these varieties in circulation or bulk lots continues to add excitement to the hobby. Whether or not they receive official recognition, the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel remains a fascinating piece of numismatic history worth searching for in the wild.

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