Help needed from the experts 1932d Quarter grade ???

That's what I think is happening. Yes, one SHAPE punch was used on specific denominations during specific years. This is a matter of well researched record. Many of these mint mark shapes are illustrated on Variety Vista. The study of mint mark shapes has been extremely important since the beginning of variety collecting and authentication.

I've tried twice to explain this fact; yet some are sticking to their opinion. Possibly due to how the written word was used. For example: In every seminar I have been in the instructor tells the class that one specific punch was used to put the "S" mint mark on coins such as the 1909-S 1c, the 1914-S 1c, the 1915-S Pan Pac gold dollar, on and on... The students understood the point. I have not encountered any collector/dealer/student/instructor/researcher until now who ever thought there was only one unique physical punch in the engraving department! That's one with a "D" and one with an "S". It's really not funny.

 

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I read "noodle as doodle"

And "Johnny-come-lately" refers to the folks who gave you that bit of misinformation you are posting. As I said three times, I believe someone has a misconception of the words "single punch." That is my reference to you.

 

Unfortunately, I cannot speak from a knowledgable position on the subject. It's certainly interesting, but I had only ever concerned myself with the "is" and not so much the "why" when it comes to such things. I simply don't know the answer, but if we step back and take a look at the big picture, it's just hard to believe they had only only one punch at their disposal, with zero others even as backups, for so many years. Of course stranger things have happened...

Questions that come to mind (again, from a position of ignorance) is what happened if one was dropped or somehow damaged? Although I assume less likely, what if somehow lost or misplaced? Government of not, the mint is still a production facility, and as such time has always been money. Sure, I can imagine there were ways around it and other things could've been done when/if a single punch needed replaced, but this piece, to me at least, seems too important and inexpensive for any capable individual running such a facility to leave open to chance. If it was it would, again in my most humble opinion, reflect poorly on whoever was in charge of such things. We're not talking about a very high cost piece of machinery here, but a lowly punch; I can think of no logical or intelligent reason not to have at least a single backup.

I also cannot help but to wonder, if one wished to do so, perhaps some sort of flaw or anomaly produced by a or the punch could be identified and this could be used to put the issue to rest?

 

Great Idea but very tedious. Besides the fellow who put the mint marks on the dies will know. Here is another thought along the lines you mentioned. Wonder how many hours it would take to produce a unique mint mark punch. Another interesting line of research...how does one make the punches used to stamp auto engines, etc?

 

No misinterpretation. 1 punch. Yes.

Finally, some common sense.

This is exactly how we know that there was only one punch.

The D Mintmark used from the early 1910s-1932 has a very distinct shape to the inside of the D. It has a triangular shape and sometimes breaks down and reveals the shape of a house inside of the D.

This shape can be used to authenticate the 1916-D and 1921-D Mercury Dimes, the 1921-D Walking Liberty Halves, and the 1932-D Washington Quarters. All key date coins and all struck with the same mint mark punch. Not same style, but same punch.

RLMs Cents has also posted documentation that the San Francisco Mint used a (1) single Mint Mark punch from 1934 until the 1970s, so I don't understand what's so difficult to grasp about this concept.

 

You still don't get it do you? THERE WERE MANY IDENTICAL PUNCHES WITH THE SAME SHAPE that were used through the years to make dies - NOT ONE PUNCH used over and over for decades. Now, I have proved myself a fool with all this so

 

I get it... you don't believe me. That's been really plain. The question is, can you prove that I'm wrong? No. Because I am not.

 

Nothing...both of you are misinformed and posting nonsense!

...It all depends on how "one" is used by the researchers you rely on. There was ONE shape used for many identical punches on different denominations during specific periods of time.

 

How stupid of me . You know what, you and Rlms are 100% correct. Thanks for the education.

 

Knock down drag out over "punches?" Lot of boxing and MMA fans here.

 

Here's the problem. I didn't get it from just people, I got it from books. lots and lots of books.

 

This is a perfect example of you not having the facts straight. The Philadelphia Mint made the dies. They were sent to the Denver Mint where the Mint Mark was punched into the die (usually a reverse die) and the die was then used to Mint coins.

None of this is my opinion. This is all documented fact.

As for respected... I think your posts speak volumes about how much some people respect me, and quite frankly, I have never been influenced by people's opinions about my work.

 

Actually, no problem. Please consider this particular post all in good natured fun at your expense ...Did you read them? How is your English comprehension? Now, your turn to "get" me back.
Please be gentle.

PS I just PM'ed a respected researcher, author, and expert on the COMPLETE minting process over at CU for his opinion on our discussion.

 

Oh, what luck, more education...This is one fact I never learned! Where did you pull this nonsense from? So, it is your belief that Denver put the "D" on the "virgin" dies that were shipped to them? I guess New Orleans, and Charlotte did the same at their mint.

You are so sure of this and I am in complete disagreement. One of us is going to be VERY EMBARASSED. I hope it is not me!

 

NOTE: When two FOOLS are arguing with each other , everyone with sense knows to stay out of it and read their looney posts.

 

You and Condor101 can argue that one out.

 

@rlm's cents Have you come around?

@Conder101 is correct.

NOTE: This discussion is about "vintage" coin production. Nothing done at the mint after the mint marks were no longer applied by hand or when sideways presses were used is relevant.

ALL dies were produced in Philly. ALL mint marks were applied at Philly. NO other US Mints had mint mark punches or applied mint marks to virgin dies.

 

Actually, conder101 is exactly right. The mint marks were punched at Philly and sent out to the branch mints.

I have tried to find reference to the mint mark punches, and I am unable to find anything that supports my claim. It is possible that it is pure lore, but I will continue to search for documentation, rather than just arguing with people.

 

Oh, and what happens if the one single "D" punch at the Denver mint breaks after decades of use? Who they going to call - "MYTHBUSTERS."

 

No, much like Adam and Jamie, they'd just make another one.