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 Replies: 12 / Views: 872 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
746 Posts |
I came across what appears to be an "S" mint mark stamped over another "S" mint mark but slightly out of alignment. I researched and saw no other listings but something is definitely near the lower arc of the top "S".  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
746 Posts |
Here is a comparison 1953 "S"  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
There appears to be a lot of darkness in the protected areas.
Is it possible that the marks are nothing more than dirt build up?
Pure acetone might remove the dark areas if you have that as an option to try.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
746 Posts |
Is it safe to use finger nail polish remover and a q-tip?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
746 Posts |
Here it is again after cleaning, I still see the contour of something under the top "S"  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
There was only one mint mark style used on the 1953-S (MMS-008) http://www.varietyvista.com/01a%20L...20Styles.htmThe first mint mark has some coin contact on the center of the mint mark. The mint mark punch was damaged that year, thus leaving an affected area in the lower loop. When you check coppercoins listings, you can see that going on that year. (until the old punch is replaced) But I can't see what you do on the upper serif area because the image is not real clear. CONECA lists 9 different RPMs for that year. Coppercoins 32 dies. Wexler lists 6 RPMs on his site. But I don't see yet what you are seeing on your coin from the image provided. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
746 Posts |
I am seeing two areas with contours, one on the top loop inside and the other on the bottom loop inside.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Quote:
s it safe to use finger nail polish remover and a q-tip? No. If that's what you used and you want to preserve the coin, you should get some pure acetone at the hardware store and give it a soak to remove the oils and whatever else is in that nail polish remover because those chemicals will damage the coin. It might take some time for that damage to show up but once it does, there's no going back. |
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Valued Member
United States
441 Posts |
If you can get your hands on some super sharp rose thorns, they work great in getting into the grungy areas of the MM to clean out the junk. They won't mar the coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
I use mineral oil only on circulated coins to remove gunk. A green thorn can be used to remove a piece that remains. Circulated coins can be soaked in the mineral oil and use a very soft brush to loosen. But be careful some grease may contain sand and moving it can loosen and scratch the coin. So care should be used when working on a coin. Never us the mineral oil on BU or proof coins. This will cause them to alter the surface and reduce value quickly on these. On coins that are valuable, I never touch them. Just common coins that won't affect the value if they are worked on. (Coins worth $20 or less)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
746 Posts |
I appreciate all the help, the link from Coop to VarietyVista was very helpful but I did not see an "S" that matched the one I have.
Note the bottom loop, almost like a socket shape to the loop and there is something going on but I don't have the optics to provide a better picture.
I've just found another mystery I will be posting pics of in a minute.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
Mint marks can vary on how they are punched and damage they receive during circulation. A mint mark that is punched deeper will look larger than one punch shallow. Depending on if the mint mark was tilted, it could make the upper or lower area of the mint mark stronger. As long as the shape is there, it will match the know mint mark punch for that year.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Green thorns aren't always easy to come by, and I've found that a wood toothpick does perfectly well.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 872 |
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Posted 12/27/2016 08:57 am
