1928-S Lincoln Small S vs Large S

EagleEye

Here are images of the 1928-S Small S, the typically found MM, and the 1928-S large S.






Now my question is, how scarce is the 1928-S Large S. I just sold a MS-64RB, pictured below for $875. Did I give a way the farm, or was it too much.

Basically, I'm looking for some pricing info.

drwstr123

Hey Rick, I know one recently sold on the Bay, PCGS-LINK1, LINK2
I don't think the price has been well established as of yet. It will take some time for the variety Registry to evolve into some sort of guide. I don't think you got hurt, but time will tell.

coppercoins

Hi Rick,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but BOTH of the coins you posted above are the SMALL mintmark. One of the two just has a shallower punching.

Here's a photo of 1928S-1MM-001, which is a large mintmark...



The difference between the two is rather obvious when the coins are held side by side. Now, as to value and scarcity, I believe the LARGE mintmark to be about ten times scarcer than the small mintmark, but both are relatively easy to acquire in grades up to EF. Above EF, the large mintmark becomes much more difficult to locate. For this reason, values are relatively equal in low grade, but the large mintmark should probably sell at 10-20% above the small mintmark in EF, 20-30% above in AU, and as much as 50% above in MS grades. I believe eventually these will catch on even better in the generalist collector's collections, and may even eventually make an appearance in Dansco and other albums. At that time, the percentage increases will go up substantially.

EagleEye

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the heads up, I'll let the buyer know about that. Thanks. I see the difference.

coppercoins

BTW, the easiest way to tell the difference between the two mintmarks without having both in hand is to observe the shape of the upper serif. On the small mintmark, the upper serif will have nearly a box shape, and on the large mintmark the upper serif is a line running up and down. If you look at the images and study them for a bit, you'll immediately pick up the difference and won't forget it next time you need to identify one or the other.

RBinTex

I'd say no more than a 100% premium would be warranted in lower grades and about 25-50% or so in upper grades would be somewhere in the ballpark.

drwstr123

How does this fit with Chuck's description?

WaterSport

Rick:

Large S cents are not that scarce. The value from the PCGS guide for large S specimans I feel are in line, but not all grades/color are listed. A 64 Brown is $250 and a 63 R&B is $300. Hope this helps.

WS