1941 S Large/Small MM Jefferson

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Lather, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. bhp3rd

    bhp3rd Die varieties, Gems

    I have no idea what you are talking about but it's the

    I have no idea what you are talking about but it's the large "S" that is the rarer one of the 2 in 1941 - the nickels in this post/photo are both small "s".
    I often come accross both in circ. nickel sets and unless the large "S" is in XF or AU or above I spend them as fast as I can.
    Please be sure of what you state/post on here as there is folks on here (like myself) who live and breath die varieties and while no one is ever right all the time and we all make mistakes the text (CPG) clearly says it's the large "S" that is the variety and the rarer of the two. You stated the small "S" is rarer - that is not correct like I said.
     
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  3. Eric vK

    Eric vK New Member

    The photos of 1916-S Mercury dimes appear to be of the same magnification and the mintmarks are in essentially the same position relative to design elements. The top photo is of a coin on which the "S" has been worn to a blob and the rim has been worn down, virtually blending into the field. A ruler shows the mintmarks to be the same size.
    The statement is made that while I was editing Collectors' Clearinghouse for Coin World, I told the claimant that there was no size difference but sometime later, Clearinghouse announced a "discovery" of difference. A computer search of the CW archives turns up no such publication regarding 1916-S dimes.
    The statement is made that these supposed mintmark varieties are now in The Cherrypickers' Guide. That is not the case. Bill Fivaz, co-author of the guide, tells me that he knows of only one size of mintmark for 1916-S Mercs and that no supposed mintmark differences are included or contemplated for inclusion in the guide. He also cautioned that heavy wear of a coin with strike doubling can create an illusion of larger size.
    It has always been the case with many true newly discovered varieties, from repunched mintmarks to overdates to doubled dies, that a reasonably high-grade specimen is required for verification of a difference.
    David Lange, in his book on Mercury dimes, states that the "norm" for 1916-S is "a very small mintmark" tucked close to the olive branch and leaf. While he does not state categorically that there is only one size or style of mintmark, he does not note any differences, and he goes on to state that "this style of mintmark" is unique to 1916-S and some 1917-S mintages in the series.





     
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