Does anyone know how many different varieties of S, they used with the 1969 S Jefferson. I think there are 2 different sizes and perhaps one more small one with a different configuration ? I can't seem to find any info on it. Sorry, no pics and the scans don't show them very clearly. Thanks
There was no S-mint coinage produced in 1959 so I would assume this must be a question about 1969 dated nickels.
Thanks. 1969. LOL Typing with 1 hand causes a lot of typos. And I have a new machine and the keyboard is a tad bigger. I will edit that post, If I can.
I cannot find any supporting evidence, but I am pretty sure there was only one MM punch used in 1969. If you mean how many positions were punched, with a mintage of 120M, a whole bunch
I am virtually positive that all coins use the same punches for all denominations. That is why there are a type I and type II for all denominations for both 1979 and 1981. Assuming I am correct, http://lincolncentresource.com/San_Fransisco_Mintmark_Styles.html lists all "S" mintmarks used since 1909. The one used in 1969 is the same as all from 1952 through 1974.
It's true in most cases, but not all. In a 5 minute check through the Cheerypicker's guide I was able to find a couple of differences between the mint mark styles for cents and nickels in the same year. Look at the '41-S for one.
I also researched the guide, but could not find a variety listed for the 1969 S. Hopefully, today I can get a decent pic. If not I will post a scan. But to these old tired eyes, I am nearly certain that one of the coins has a larger mark and a different style ? When we started filling folders back in the early 60's, the known varieties were extremely limited. I am truly astonished to see how many are catalogued today.
Years ago you would sometimes find more than one mintmark punch used on a given years coins but I don't believe that has been true since the 1940's with the exception of 1979 and 1981 when the punch broke mid year. And it shouldn't happen again now that they no longer use punches to put the mintmarks on the dies. Mintmarks CAN have a difference in size and appearance even when made using the same punch depending on the depth of the punch (punched deeper means a larger MM) or any tip or angle to the punch when it was hit by the mallet. Polishing of the die can also result in a change in the appearance of a mintmark.
I finally got a scan that might work. The S on the left is not only in a different position, but appears larger with a different type bottom ? As I said before, in the tray of a dozen or so, this one really popped. Or am I nuts ?
Actually the one on the left is normal, it's the one on the right that has a minor difference. The difference is that the bulbous serif on the bottom of the S is not as defined. And that can be explained by what has already been mentioned. A slight tilt of the punch, not punched as deep, die wear, die polishing etc. Check the images on Heritage and you'll see what I mean.
OK. Now I have a few that look like the one on the right and just one that looks like the one on the left, But that could be PMD or wear, I guess maybe I ought to hang on to it for reference ?
It's the one on the right that suffered from die wear, a more shallow punch or whatever Gary. The mint marks are really both the same. Like I said, the one on the left is normal. It looks just like this one - all of them on the Heritage site look just like it.
