New Website

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US Coin wisdom - 1981 Type 1 and 2

How to Distinguish 1981 Type 1 and 2 Proof Coins    In 1981 two varieties of “S” mintmarks can be found for all proof coin denominations. The minor details will vary from coin to coin so any coin you look at may not look exactly like the picture shown here, however the following characteristics are what you would use to determine which variety it is. Note:  Some type 1 coins have very clear mintmarks while some type 2 coins do not, so how clear or well struck the mintmark is does not indicate the type.  The first one is commonly called type 1, and is the same mintmark that was used in the later part of 1979 and all of 1980. This mintmark has smaller and more rounded serifs (the bulbous or ball like formations at the beginning and end of the “S”)[1] . If you look at the mintmark you will notice it has a dome shape like a bead of water [2]. The center loops of the “S” are also more of an oval shape [3]. Type 2 proof coins were minted starting later in the year. The mintmark has larger serifs [4], and these serif bulbs tend to look flattened. You will also notice that the mintmark has more of a plateau or more flat surface than the type 1 [5]. The center loops have more of a circular shape [6].         1981 S Type 1 Nickel 1.Smaller serif 2.Dome surface 3.Oval center loops      1981 S Type 2 Nickel 4.Larger serif 5.Flat surface 6.Circular center loops

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Coin Terms Glossary

Coin Terms Glossary

We are going to take this up and post it a bit at a time and then archive it for reference.

This is a glossary of coin terms that you might find on this site or elsewhere.

Do you have any suggestions or comments? Words you'd like to see added to the glossary? By all means, please let us know!


Blank
A flat disk of metal intended to become a coin but which has not yet been impressed with the coin's design. Also called a "planchet".
Brilliant Uncirculated
Refers to a coin which has not been circulated and which still retains the majority of its original mint luster.

Sometimes "Uncirculated" and "Brilliant Uncirculated" are used interchangeably. However "Brilliant" would not be applied to a coin which has significant defects impairing its eye appeal or which is lacking in luster.
Blue Ike
In 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974 the US Mint issued 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars for collectors in colored packaging. The Proof version was issued in a brown box and the Brilliant Uncirculated version was issued in a blue envelope. Thus coin collectors and dealers have adopted the terms "Brown Ikes" and "Blue Ikes" to refer respectively to the proof and BU silver Eisenhower Dollars of these years
Brown Ike
See Blue Ike.
BU
(abbr) see Brilliant Uncirculated.
Business Strike
Refers to a coin which was made to be circulated in everyday financial transactions.

Business strike is only one of the methods of manufacturing coins that a mint can use. See Proof for comparison photographs.
Cameo
The frostiness of the raised portions (such as the device or the lettering) of some proof coins.

Visually, this frostiness makes the raised portions of the coin look whitish and completely eradicates the mirror-like finish one would otherwise see on these parts of the proof coin. When only the raised portions of the coin have this cameo effect, it creates an appealing contrast against the mirror-like finish of the coin's field.

The physical texture of the cameo effect can be compared to that of glass which has been acid etched.

Example of a Deep Cameo coin Example of a cameo coin Example of a coin with no cameo
Deep Cameo Cameo No Cameo

Prior to the 1970s the US mint was not entirely consistent in creating coins with complete, attractive cameo. Coin making equipment would be polished and prepared and the first many coins produced for that year or for that batch may have had a nice, deep cameo. As the equipment would begin to wear the cameo effect would diminish to the point where we would only classify the coins as "cameo". When the cameo has diminished to the point where it was significantly incomplete, no cameo designation is warranted at all.

In the 1980s the US mint perfected their methods and for modern years almost all proof coins you find will have a very complete, deep cameo finish on the device and lettering. Generally the earlier you go, the less likely proof coins are to have complete or attractive cameo on them.

Since cameo is desired by many proof coin collectors, earlier coins with attractive cameo tend to cost more.

Changes with Ebay - How to adapt and stay viable

Buying and selling Collectible Coins on E-Bay

We started our business on EBay with our EBay store, which we still run. We have since opened our own direct website at davescoins.com and a bidStart store, which is a site like EBay, only specializing directly in collectibles. They began with stamps, but have quickly expanded in the US collectible coins market as well.

It would be nearly impossible to argue against the fact that eBay has continuously made it more difficult for both buyers and sellers of collectible coins, to find satisfaction in using eBay as a medium for engaging in the numismatic activity we all enjoy so much. So, certainly the balance between Joy and Pain referenced in the article has been tipping towards the Pain side as time goes by, and is probably at an all-time high in the Pain department at this moment, both for buyers and sellers alike.

However, I think the wrong approach is to throw in the towel, wave the white flag, or otherwise quit on a service that has ultimately been a massive positive force in numismatics as a whole. I would instead suggest that everyone who has found this service worthwhile in the past, take some time to let eBay know what is needed and wanted by the numismatic dealers and collectors, while working together to make the best of it.

I could probably go on forever discussing all of the many changes and ramifications and suggest countless potential solutions for each individual frustration. However, the bulk of it boils down to one specific important point in my opinion.

Communication; Sellers need to put in the extra effort to more effectively communicate to the buyers what exactly they are selling, how the transaction will unfold and describe the coins more meticulously and take better photographs.

This is extremely important in my opinion, as one of the most frustrating problems for sellers, (particularly sellers like us that try to be meticulous in our customer care), is that eBay has cut us off from being able to communicate to buyers unless they specifically communicate to us first. This is the major problem, because that was the most effective way to resolve problems for buyers before potential issues became a serious problem.

This in turn places as emphasis, as stated above, on the seller needing to do everything they can in their listings, photos and descriptions, to answer any potential problems for buyers beforehand. In this respect sellers need to take more responsibility and put in more effort on their part.

Buyers need to communicate more readily themselves, PRIOR to making the purchase. Moreover, they need to be more selective in determining not just the products they want, but WHO they want to sell the product to them. Establish relationships with sellers that do go the extra mile to make your experience better. Find out who those sellers are from your other contacts and communicate to those contacts when you find a trustworthy seller.

In essence; sellers need to go the extra mile to help the buyers. Buyers need to understand and recognize the sellers that do that. There is currently no alternative to the traffic and exposure that eBay offers sellers. Conversely, there is currently no alternative to the selection and freedom of choice that eBay offers buyers.

Additionally, how many new coin collectors have been created, or otherwise encouraged through eBay? Hundreds of thousands would be my guess. It would seem a shame and ultimately self-defeating, for all of us as the wider numismatic community, to give in to this frustration, rather than apply a little extra intelligence and honest effort to rise above it.

1979 Type 1 and 2 - Get Educated!

How to Distinguish 1979 Type 1 and 2 Proof Coins   There are two varieties of the “S” mintmark used in 1979 for all proof coin denominations.  The type 1 mintmark has a dome shape with the center of the ridge higher, like a mountain peak [1].  It is very unclear, with the details significantly blended together and the center loops of the "S" being very faint [2]. This variety is therefore commonly referred to as "filled mintmark", although this is not always a way to distinguish it. The type 2 mintmark (often called "clear mintmark”) was used in the later part of 1979, all of 1980 and the first part of 1981 and is similar to the type 1 mintmark which was used in 1981. This mintmark has an obvious ridgeline which is of a uniform height [3] and the center loops of the “S” are usually more clear and distinct [4]. Buy your Coins at Dave's Now!                   Type 1        1979 S Type 1 Nickel         1. High center peak.         2. Faint loops.                   Type 2          1979 S Type 2 Nickel          3. Uniform ridge line.          4. Clearer loops. Note also that on the type two there is a chance that the mint mark could be filled (see picture below) as the dies wear out.         Type 2 from worn dies. Continue this article, with more examples and pictures here. Buy your Coins at Dave's Now!

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Our Beliefs and Principles The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that they act according to the beliefs and principles they claim to hold. Our belief is that coins represent a tangible solidity, purity and honesty. Virtues that are found, less often, in every day life. These  are qualities  that are accentuated and enhanced by the aesthetic beauty of the coins themselves. Just as the entire principal of money itself is built on the shared agreement and confidence of individuals, so to is the collectible value of coins. It is the common bond of understanding and appreciation for these qualities that brings all of us together and it is this common bond that we, at Dave's Collectible Coins, work to serve and enhance. Our principles are formed by our guiding beliefs as outlined above. That collectors of coins themselves, share these same traits with the coins they collect. It is our mission as a dealer to reflect these values in every transaction. Integrity is the central philosophy of Dave's Collectable Coins. Our grades are conservative, consistent and trustworthy. This is what separates us from other dealers and has led to our unsurpassed feedback for a dealer of our volume. For us, it is a matter of expectation. We set the bar for what is expected, with each coin we grade and  every coin we describe in a listing. It is then our duty to not merely meet, but to exceed, that expectation with every piece of living history that we place at your doorstep. Look at some of our latest listings on the website and buy today. You can be secure in the knowledge that Dave's Collectible Coins is the place you shop to find coins of integrity. Some of our items are not available in the website and are listed at our bidStart and eBay stores.