Question - 1979 SBA Narrow Rim

Typetone

I see the narrow rim 1979 SBA is included in the new 20th century type set pr and cs with variations. Does a 79 proof fulfill this requirement, or do you need a mint state piece. Trying to remember, is the narrow rim the common ms 1979 or is it the rare variety?

Greg S.

cosmicdebris

Narrow Rim is common in 1979, I just picked up a 1979S MS66 from Tad just for this purpose. Not sure about the Proofs but Tad would know.

supercoin

I gave up following or caring about the PCGS rules and weightings a couple months ago, and am a happier man today because of it. So I don't know the answer to your first question.

But as far as the rims, these are narrow rim (aka far date):

1979-P narrow rim, common variety
1979-D
1979-S
1979-S Proof

These are wide rim (aka near date):

1979-P wide rim
1980-PDS
1981-PDS
1980-S Proof
1981-S Proof

All 1999 coins are a completely new design, but last I knew were (erroneously, in my opinion) counted as wide rim by PCGS for registry purposes.

So... as far as least expensive high-grade MS pieces, the 1979-D or 1979-S is the best bet for a narrow rim, and 1980-D for a wide rim.

Or, assuming the rules are the same, the 1999-D is by far the cheapest wide rim if you want to throw all your numismatic integrity out the window to avoid spending money on an SBA.

cosmicdebris

See you mention his name and not soon after we get a reply.

gary

Tad,please explain:

Or, assuming the rules are the same, the 1999-D is by far the cheapest wide rim if you want to throw all your numismatic integrity out the window to avoid spending money on an SBA.

Is spend more money fashionable,,or is there a numismatic difference in the two?........gary

supercoin

Yes, in my experience, fashion is 99% about how much money you spend!

What I meant was the mint completely redesigned the SBA for it's 1999 re-release. So, it's not a "wide rim" or a "narrow rim".

In my opinion, these would be reasonable choices for a mint-state type set:

1 coin -- Any date

2 coins -- Any 1979-81 and any 1999

3 coins -- A 1979 narrow rim, any 1979-81 wide rim, and a 1999

4+ coins -- You're my kinda customer!

But not the current 2-coin requirement, which is met by a 1979 narrow rim and a 1999. That doesn't make any sense.

Even worse, a 1999 looks more like a narrow rim/far date coin than it does a wide rim/near date, so if anything it's completely backwards. Now I have to go repeat my mantra that I don't care about the PCGS rules.

supercoin

FYI, here's photos of the 3 types mentioned above... I'm using proofs to illustrate because they show up better, but the same designs are used for MS coins.

1. 1979 Narrow Rim / Far Date
2. 1979-81 Wide Rim / Near Date
3. 1999 Redesign

The alternate "Near Date" and "Far Date" names are better descriptors. In attributing, look at the distance of the date from the inside of the 11-sided rim.



And as I mentioned in my previous post, note that if you were to force the 1999 into being one of the other two types, it looks more like the Narrow Rim than the Wide Rim.

keithdagen

Now there's a dealer for you. Pretty much guaranteed to get more business on his 1979 pieces, and still complains.

(Hope he reads this after shipping mine)

Keith

CarlWohlforth

Wow, I never realized how different the '99 was!! Striking. I'd say let's have three of 'em

supercoin

That's the spirit! And for a truly complete type set, of course you'd want the 1979 and 1981 mint mark varieties on the proofs. And some some small- and large-star varieties, both proof and business strikes. And I'm sure there's some others I'm not thinking of.

Come to think of it, it's a small series, just get one of each to make sure you're covered. Step right this way...

fantasiize

Tad,

As always, LOL and LOI (information) in your posts !!!

I would say and agree with 2 (ok, I really meant to say 3, BUT the type set would then be over 300+ coins, so I will stick with 2)

Chris

gmarguli

Until I saw the SBA pictures in a row I never realized that the mint made her even uglier for the 1999 coins.

supercoin

Hey, you're no angel yourself.

There are a bunch of changes on the portrait including lower relief, bigger beak, more of a scowl. Other obverse details subtly different too.

The reverse stayed more the same, with the exception of the Earth which became more "cartoon" looking.

Not sure why they messed with it... I suppose they had to redo it because the original dies would have been destroyed, but why not start with a transfer from an old proof?