1944-S Mercury Dime Mintmarks (Is this one inverted?)

StrikeOutXXX

There are many inverted mint marks listed for 1945-S on Mercs: http://doubleddie.com/1179161.html


I found this one, thought it looked odd, but can't find anything on inverted 1944-S's

Looking at many examples on eBay and Heritage, I noticed they used a few different styles of "S" mintmarks, and even found a match to this without anything mentioned as being inverted.

Anyone have a few close-ups of different 44-S to compare? Is this just one of the basic mintmarks for the year?

Bodin

In my opinion, it looks as if the left side of the upper loop got smooshed and that made the upper left look as if it is upside down, symmetrically.

StrikeOutXXX

<< <i>In my opinion, it looks as if the left side of the upper loop got smooshed and that made the upper left look as if it is upside down, symmetrically. >>



There is a hit there, which I think exaggerates the upside down part for sure. The image below I think matches what mine would have looked like long ago - kind of a trumpet tail, but looking at the 1945 Inverted MMs at the link in the OP, the smaller open space section at the bottom of the S versus the top was more what was my wonder as to being inverted.



EDIT: 2 other types of MM on 44-S's:

ricko

Yep...looks more like a hit than an inversion...Cheers, RickO

keyman64

There are multiple 1940s dates that have different style mint marks that are not recognized as being very significant.
For instance the 1942-Trumpet Tail S is not viewed as significant in the CPG whereas the 1943-Trumpet Tail S is. Strange, I know.
As for this coin, it does look interesting but because it is a circulated example that opens itself up to hits and metal movement,
it is harder to be sure. I'll try to do some digging to see if I can find anything else. There is of course the 1942-Inverted S.
Below is a pic I put together that shows those differences.

StrikeOutXXX

Thanks Greg, I think this was a case of wishful thinking, circulated/smooshed mintmark, and comparing the "S" to other years (as I only had 1 other 44-S on hand).

Looking through Dr. Wiles' e-book, seems this is a

MMS-005 (Straight Serifs) used in 1943 and 1944.
http://varietyvista.com/Mercury%20Dime%20Files/San%20Francisco%20Mintmark%20Styles.htm

The smaller pocket within the "S" at the bottom versus the top is normal for this year. On other years, it could be the inverted MM.

I bought one of those red 2x2 boxes full of circulated mercs sight-unseen at coin club last week (100 or so) but nothing near as interesting as the last oddity box.

keyman64

Good stuff digging through a box of Mercs! It is always fun.

DIMEMAN

After comparing the OP's coin's MM and the MM of the 42-S inverted S......I think the OP's coin is a normal S and not inverted. I base this on the shapes of the inside openings of top and bottom of both coins.

fcloud

It looks like you are having fun with dimes.

StrikeOutXXX

<< <i>It looks like you are having fun with dimes. >>



I have fun with anything really - just a matter of finding them locally (I'm in a remote area).

I really need to upgrade my loupes and maybe get into a dino-lite though, my eyes are starting to get old.