Many collectors have trouble identifying the Type 1 and Type 2 Susan B. Anthony dollars.

Most of the problems come from confusing names and descriptions used in the hobby. Dealers and authors like to hype a new discovery to promote sells and interest. One such example is the large and small date 1970 Lincoln cent. I will pay anyone to show me a small date 1970 Lincoln cent. It does not exist. There is a high and low date 1970 Lincoln cent, but the numberials are the same size.

This same confussing comes into play with the 1979 S Proof and 1981 S Proof Susan B. Anthony dollars. Especially if you understand the difference between the 1979 Type 1 and Type 2 Proofs.

The 1979 Type 1 is a raised blob of metal that looks like a “S” mintmark only on the very top. While the Type 2 is a well defined “S” mintmark. The Type 2 is referred to as the clear “S”. The description is easy to understand because the mintmark is a “well” defined “S”. But it is not clear.

This is where the confusion starts on the 1981 Type 1 and Type 2 Proof mintmarks.

Most collectors will take they knowledge of the 1979 Type 1 and Type 2 and “try” to use this knowledge to identify the 1981 Type 2 dollars. After all, everything they have read says the 1979 Type 2 and the 1981 Type 2 are clear “S” mintmarks.

The 2005 Red Book shows the 1979 Clear S (Type 2 rounded) and the 1981S Clear S (Type 2 Flat). Most collectors see the “Clear S” on both Type 2 mintmarks and over look the “Flat” on the 1981 Type 2 mintmark.

Numismatic News Variety Scorecard shows and unbelievablely clear well defined 1981 S Type 2. I personally have never seen a Type 2 as clear and well defined.

The ANA Authentication Bureau publication list the 1981 S Type 2 as: “The 1981 Type 2 “S” mintmark has bulbous serifs. The areas within the loops of the letter can be open or slightly filled.” The two images shown are very poor quality and look rounded on the top of the mintmark.

Three main reference sources and none of the three agree and not provide quality photos to use. No wonder the collector is confused on the Type 1 and Type 2 mintmark that are found on all denomination of Proof coins struck in 1979 and 1981.

Using the information listed above, let’s take a little test on the 1981 Type 2 mintmarks. Which of the images shown below are a Type 2 mintmark?

If you thought the mintmark on the left was the Type 2, you are correct. If you thought the mintmark on the right was the Type 2, you are also correct. That is correct, both are the 1981 S Proof Type 2 mintmarks. Now you can see why using the term clear “S” is not the best way to identify the Type 2 mintmarks.

In 1979 and 1981, the mintmark was placed on all dies using a mintmark punch. In the die making shop, a mint employee would punch the mintmark into the dies. The amount of pressure used to place the mintmark on the die varied. If a lot of force was used to hit the mintmark punch, the mintmark was cut deep into the die. This gives a high relief but does not permit much open space between the loops of the “S” mintmark.

If less pressure is applied to the mintmark punch, the mintmark will not be as deep into the die, but the space between the loops is open and “clear”.

How much the die is polished will also affect how “clear” the mintmark will appear. The more the die is polished, the more filled in the loops of the “S” mintmark.

Now lets take a look at the 1981 Type 1 & Type 2 “S” mintmarks.

ILNA member Richard Prouty does an excellent job of identifying the Type 2. He tried and tried to help me, but I just could not get the job done. Then I remember something that worked so well, I stopped using the technic. Many dealers and at least one wholesaler call Richard when they need a Type 2.

Forget the big things and study the small points.

Let’s take the 1979 S Proof Type 1 and 2. Type 1 is a blob of raised metal...period. Type 2 is a well form “S” mintmark...period. That is easy to remember.

The 1981 S Proof Type 1 and 2 require a little more in-depth explanation. Let’s take the Type 1.

A well defined “S” mintmark setting on top of a wider well defined “S” mintmark. The start of the upper curve is the same width as the rest of the mintmark.

The Type 2 is a flat “S” mintmark. The surface of the mintmark is about the same width as the bottom. The start of the upper curve has a bulbous serif (Ball Like). The middle curve of the “S” is almost straight on the right and forms almost a straight corner to the start of the lover curve. To make it simple, Ball top, almost straight middle and “FLAT”.

Any of you that are still having trouble with the Type 1 and 2 mintmarks, I have two excellent color photographs of each type.

One color 4X6 photograph has both mintmark styles for 1979 side by side and sells for $8 postage paid. The other color 4X6 photograph has both mintmark styles for 1981 side by side and sells for $8 postage paid. Or both can be purchased for just $15 postage paid.

Have a question, need an answer, drop me a line. Frank M. Zapushek PO Box 1993, Bloomington, IL. 61702. Or you can email me a frank@bakercoins.net. Your question could be the next article. No charge for authentication or questions. Hope to see you at an upcoming show!