Crossword Genius

Nosily picks up small coins (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scents

'nosily picks up' is the definition.
(detects by smell - picks up with one's nose)

'small coins' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'coins' becomes 'cents' (cent is a kind of coin).
's'+'cents'='SCENTS'

(Other definitions for scents that I've seen before include "Distinctive odours, usually pleasant" , "Fragrances, smells" , "Trails" , "Essences and perfumes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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