While trying to straighten up my IKES, I also looked at my SBA's. I spotted this 1981-S and decided to check the 'S' mm again. This time I wasn't sure even with my two eye loupes combined for 15X. So I set up my camera on the copy stand and came up with these pics which I edited a little in Picasa 3. IMHO the 'S' is clear. Pcgs lists $165@MS64. What do you think this 1981-S is, clear or not clear, that is the question? Thanks a lot. zeke
Zeke, check this out. Even though it's a Kennedy half I think the mint marks across the line were pretty much the same. I think yours is a 'type 1'. http://www.raykomkacoins.com/81STy2Explained.php
I think that's a Type 1 S unfortunately. That would be a Type 2 (clear) S in 1979, but in 1981 it's a type 1. The type 2 is much flatter looking in 1981. The 1981 Type 1 is the more common variety.
Technically it's not about filled or clear with the 81-S types. The 79 types were filled or clear but the 81's it has more to do with the shape of the serifs or ends of the S. Type 1 are a normal cut off S the type two the serifs are rounded. Kind of like a round ball of metal on the end. Also type 2's the middle curve of the S is almost a straight line they also have a frosted look and (this is where the whole open closed s business comes in) the loops are a bit larger than on the type 1. www.bestcoin.com/Diagnostics-Type-Two-Proof-Sets.htm
Thanks everyone. With http://www.raykomkacoins.com/81STy2Explained.php and http://www.raykomkacoins.com/81STy2Explained.php one can not but agree my S.B.A. 1981 -S is a Type 1. My hopes went from $300 to $10. Great sites and great reference material.
