I should really know better...but my brain is playing tricks on me: 1981 S Type 1 or 2

You ever look at a variety soooo much that your brain starts screwing with you - to the point where you don't trust your instincts any more?

Well, I'm having that kind of moment right now with a couple 1981 S Proof SBA dollars. I had them in my SBA set as a Type 1 and Type 2...but taking a closer look at them, I think they're both Type 2's...except the (ex) Type 1's top serif just doesn't look right, even though the MM is flat on top and about the same shape.

(these are the mental circles I've been running around myself for the last hour or so.)

So, with that said, hopefully someone with a fresh set of eyes and brain cells can help me out and confirm or deny my suspicions:

Coin #1



Coin #2

 

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It looks like the Type 2.

Save this page for all of the small dollar info.
United States Small Size Dollar Coins (smalldollars.com)
Anthony Dollar Die Varieties are the 3rd from the top on the right-hand column.

 

+1

 

Both are 1981 S Type 2 mint marks.

 

Thank you for confirming my suspicions. As I said, I thought they both were T2's...but then asked myself, "Why did you fill BOTH slots with the T2?" Then started questioning everything. Why are we here? Who am I? Haha...

I suppose it's a fun harbinger of things to come in about 5-10 years, assuming I make it that long.

In more positive news, I have two T2's. And I had a spare 1981 Proof Set lying around (with a T2 dime and quarter) that I used to fill in the T1 slot.

Thanks guys. I do appreciate it.

 

This coin is the most frustrating thing in the world for me to attribute. I've sold a couple, and I've always been completely honest, saying I don't know if it is or isn't. It's also hard to take good close-up photos because of the bright shiny proof surfaces.

 

I feel your pain. I once sold a 1979 S T2 (Clear S) on eBay and the buyer contacted me about a return, claiming it wasn't a T2. I replied that it was definitely a T2 (because of the easy distinction between Filled and Clear on the 1979s), that they were probably thinking of the 1981. Return avoided.

I dunno...some days my brain just enjoys arguing with itself about things it already knows.

 

Type 2 I believe

 

+1