Curious about these SBA proofs I recently acquired. I think the two 1981 examples have the rarer type 2 S mint mark and maybe the second of the 1979 ones as well. Would love confirmation from someone with more experience with the series. Thanks!
Not an expert, but I think the first one is 1981 Type 1. The second 1979 Type 2. In the first photo of the 1979, the MM is at an unusual angle. I haven't seen that before. I'm sure more knowledgeable members will correct me if I'm wrong. "The “S” mintmark seen on the 1979-S Type 2 Susan B. Anthony Dollars was also used on all 1980-S Proof Susie Bs and on the majority of 1981-S proofs, too. However, by the closing months of 1981, the “S” mintmark punch originally made for the 1979-S Type 2 Dollars succumbed to wear. A new punch was made sometime during the autumn of 1981 featuring a much clearer “S” with distinct, bulbous serifs. As with the 1979-S Type 2 proof, it is unknown exactly how many 1981-S Type 2s were struck, though estimates place that figure at around 650,000 to 675,000 coins, or roughly 15% to 17% of the total mintage of 4,063,083 proofs." from PCGS
I think all your coins have type 1 MM's. Your 1979's have the blob 'S', and both of your SBA's have a round hole in the bottom loop. I have had this same question about the 1981 type 2 with my own coin. Its hard to find good photos of the differences. I have used these as go-by's. I think the type 1 for 1981 has a protuberance from the curve of the 'S' that touches the inside edge the top serif, where as the type 2 has the smallest bit of a gap in this same area. Also note the different shape of the holes in the bottom of the 'S'. type 1 is round, type 2 has a tear drop shaped in these photo's. http://www.lincolncentresource.com/San_Fransisco_Mintmark_Styles.html
My opinion (really need more pictures from other angles/lighting)... Coin 1: 1981-S Type 1 Coin 2: 1981-S Type 2 Coin 3: 1979-S Type 1 Coin 4: 1979-S Type 1 Another good reference: http://www.smalldollars.com/dollar/page29.html 1981-S Type 1 MM is the same as the 1979-S Type 2 MM 1979-S "Type-2" This Mint mark was introduced in the later part of 1979 for proof coinage production (and referred to as Ty-2 for this year). 1981-S "Type-1" This is the same Mint mark as introduced in the later part of 1979 for proof coinage production (and referred to as Ty-2 for that year). (It is the first one used in 1981 and is thus designated Ty-1 for that this year.)
