Owner Comments:
Lyman Allen #2.16 (KM #163) - Total Mintage: 11,660,000
The 1918 Normal Size "S" is relatively easy to obtain. Gem Red and RB examples however are much more difficult. In the 2008-2009 edition of his book, Lyman Allen lists 5 Red and only a moderate number of RB examples in the Combined Population Report. As of this revision, NGC has certified no coins as red or red-brown.
The normal mint mark on these coins is between 1.2 and 1.3 millimeters tall and is centered between the dot and the rim. The "S" on the Large "S" variety is 2.0 millimeters tall and based on the size and shape, appears to have been produced using the punch intended for the Fifty Centavo pieces of the same year. A 1918 S Medium "S" variety with a mint mark measuring 1.5 millimeters in height is also known to exist. I have seen an ANACS certified Small "S" variety for sale. I do not know the exact size of the the mint mark, but it did appear significantly smaller than the normal "S."
This particular coin is reasonably well struck with exceptional eye appeal. It does not exhibit the "woodgrain" toning often found on 1908-1920 San Francisco issues.
Varieties:
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ALLEN-2.16a - Large "S"
Medium "S," as yet uncataloged. The "S" mint mark measures 1.5 millimeters in height.
Small "S," as yet uncataloged. The mint mark size is unknown, but noticeably smaller than the normal "S."
Date acquired: 12/30/2012 (already graded by PCGS) formerly part of the "justhavingfun" collection.
References:
- "San Francisco Mint Cents 1908-24" posted by David Lange, NGC Research Director on July 1, 2003 (http://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?IDArticle=726)
Rev. 12/8/2015