I noticed in some 1960 d small date cents I just got that there was a greater distance from the date to the mintmark in one coin(on left). Is this considered an error or variety or not a thing?
Up to the modern process used in the last few decades, mintmarks were hand punched into the dies before use, after the rest of the coin features were on the die. So as long as the mm is below the date, and in that "triangle " between the coat and the rim, it is considered normal and no premium. It it actually enters into the date, coat, or rim, there is a premium, but not big, maybe a 10-25%, but not one of those coins on eBay selling at ridiculous premiums. If the setter mis strikes the first time and tries a 2nd or even a third time, RPM ( repunched mintmarks may occur, which depending on their amount of separation may be much higher. Jim
When I first started, I noticed this on a lot of cents. I even started putting different ones in Flips. LOL I have 7 different 1970 Ds with the mint marks in different places. But, I learned they were hand stamped into the die and read more and more about the process. Still, when I find one that is way "off", like the mark touching the date, I still put it in a flip. I got a lot of empty flips. They are always good to start a conversation. IMHO gary
