Whitman Expo
1914/(3) Overdate Nickel MS FS-101 Values
Details
This interesting and scarce overdate is a newly discovers and popular, if not controversial, variety in the series, not counting the 1937-D 3-legged error. Many experts believe the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel was born when a 1913 master die was repunched with a hub bearing the 1914 date. An exact mintage is unknown, but there are perhaps 300 survivors, most in circulated grades. There are actually several variants of the 1914/3, with some showing strong evidence of the top of the 3. Predictably, values are higher for pieces exhibiting stronger indications of the 3.
There is an important caveat that should be noted for the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel, and that is the discourse among some numismatists that this well-known variety may not actually be an overdate. Some believe the variances of the shape and magnitude of the extra design element seen near the top of the 4 may not actually be remnants of a 3, but rather a die chip. If this is true, it could change the overall market desirability for this coin. Time will tell if more experts can collectively conclude the story behind this variety. But, for now anyway, the 1914/3 Buffalo nickel remains a highly sought-after piece with very few examples known in uncirculated grades.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
20,664,463
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Overdate
Variety 2:
FS-101
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1914
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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