Is My 1901 Barber Dime Really A 1901-S??

Rob41281

It was pointed out in my other thread that there appeared to be a faint "S" mintmark on the reverse of my 1901 dime. After looking at the pics I can see it, does anyone else? Ill have to take a closer look after work today. Is it just an illusion or could I possibly have some kind of score here??

seanq

I vote optical illusion, the area you circled does not match the shape of an S mintmark from that era.


Sean Reynolds

rhedden

Weak "S" mintmarks are common on Seated dimes of the 1860s, but I have never seen one on a Barber dime. It would have to be a grease-filled die error or something. I also vote "optical illusion." here is my 1901-S for comparison.

boyhowdy

<I vote optical illusion, the area you circled does not match the shape of an S mintmark from that era.>

I agree. The "S" MM used on the 1901 issues is huge and would nearly fill the area circled.

Steve

RyGuy

I guess I'm crazy, but I believe I can see it.

Hope you find a pleasant surprise once you investigate.

Ryan

MFH

I have an image of an 1894 Proof Dime in a PCGS PR 66 CAM holder

that Dave99B & I have been scratching our heads over ... its got

a toning pattern similar to your 1901-"S" on the reverse... I called

it a "Ghost S".

ziggy29

I've seen a lot of S-mint 1866 dimes with a mintmark that weak, but not from 1901.

speety

I see what you're referring to but it looks nothing like a weak mintmark to me.

hammered54

it's probbly just a little glue residue from where the S fell off........

ziggy29

<< <i>it's probbly just a little glue residue from where the S fell off........ >>

Entirely possible if this were a quarter...

skeeterhawk

Hey Rob.............the reason I brought this up is because I had a case where the grading services missed a mintmark under toning and the dealer that handled the coin never examined it close enough to see it.

About 5 years ago I bought a 1924 St. Gaudens as part of a 20 coin generic lot of gold from a well known dealer at Long Beach. The coin was graded MS64 by NGC and had a layer of bag dust on the surfaces. I didn't catch it until I got the coin back to the office but under 10x power with a good light I saw what looked to be a "D" on the coin.

Needless to say I cracked the coin, dipped it and sure enough it was a 1924-D....................had it regraded.....MS64......and turned it for a nice profit.

So it does happen....................good luck

Rob41281

I forgot to check at home yesterday, but i did look at the pic from the heritage auction and it shows nothing looking like a mm.

FredF

I would say illusion. First thing I saw was a star. If I squinted I could see the S you were talking about, but it's similar to looking at a cloud and seeing a bunny.

-Fred