Type 1 or Type 2

I had always assumed this coin was a 1981-S Type 1 Kennedy Half Dollar, but now after looking more and more at it, I'm not sure, any thoughts?

 

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Looks like type 1 to me.

 

I would go with your first impression - type I.

 

I find this site helpful on the '79 and '81 Types 1 and 2 mintmarks...

http://www.bakercoins.net/learn/articles/sba/sba.html

 

I looked at that website and one other, and its acutally the one that got me thinking it might be a Type 2.

 

The type 2 will have a very clear, distinct S, compared to type 1 that looks like a small 8 instead of an S.

 

Appears to be a type one. I cannot guarentee it from the photos shown. This photo might be helpful in you determining the difference.

 

i'm 101% sure that's a type 1....all 81 type 2 mint marks are flat looking and frosted.

 

ok, sports fans, here's a tip on how to tell the difference between type 1 and type 2:

Understand that the 1979 type 2 S mintmark is the same mintmark as the 1980 proofs and the same as the 1981 Type 1 coins. Knowing this fact, you can determine which type is which by doing some simple comparisons.

If your questionable coin is a 1979 and you want to know type 1 or 2, compare the mintmark with that of either a 1978 or a 1980 proof coin. The type 1 will be identical to the 1978 and the type 2 will be identical to the 1980.

The same is true for coins dated 1981. Compare with a 1980 and a 1982. The type 1 mintmark will match the 1980 and the type 2 will match the 1982.

Also for the 1981 dated coins, the bulbs of the S are of different sizes. The top loop is bigger and it is usually obvious to the naked eye. The mere fact that it is a "clear" mintmark doesn't mean it's a type 2. The serifs are also bulbous and pronounced on the 1981 type 2.