Coin Collecting: 1979 Type 1 and 2

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].

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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.