The 1866 Seated Dime is a rare coin

lathmach

The 1866-S is common.
So if you're selling on Ebay, don't look all that hard for the S mintmark.
Not from Philadelphia
The date tapers down left to right on the one variety of 1866-S, but is level on both the business strike and proof Philadelphia coins.

Ray

Catch22

Yes, the "weak S" is often completely invisible. No telling how many people have been fooled by this over the years.

Coinosaurus

Good catch Ray. The 1866 quarter is also a tough coin, though I have never seen an 1866-S quarter with an S rubbed off.

roadrunner

Good eyes Ray. While the Philly coin is quite rare in mid to low circ grades, it becomes rather available in UNC grades. By the time you reach XF or AU grades the 66-s takes the lead. The 66-s is multiples rarer in UNC than the 66 Philly.

I was sort of surprised at how low the pops are on all the 1860's - S mints in circ grades. Only 11 or so pieces total for the 66-s and 3 times that for the 66 Philly. Understood that not many low end coins for either date get submitted, but the 66-s in XF or better is probably a formidable coin.

roadrunner

Barry

<< <i>Yes, the "weak S" is often completely invisible. No telling how many people have been fooled by this over the years. >>


Including PCGS and ANACS. I've seen one of each mis-attributed.

roadrunner

Other coins I've seen slip by are the 1860-0 quarter with weak "O" and the 1871-s half with 50% obliterated "S."

roadrunner