Hey everyone! As a coin collector who’s been in the game for a few years now, I’ve noticed a lot of confusion when it comes to the value of D (Denver) versus S (San Francisco) minted coins, especially among beginners. Just the other day, I was chatting with a newbie at a local coin shop, and they mentioned that they believed D coins are always less valuable than S coins. This got me thinking about all the myths that float around our hobby!
While it’s often true that S coins might carry a higher premium due to their limited mintage—especially in certain series like the 1909-S V.D.B. penny—there are plenty of exceptions. I’ve personally encountered examples where a well-struck 1942-D dime in MS-65 commands more than a less well-preserved 1942-S! It all comes down to condition, rarity, and even demand among collectors. I’ve done a bit of research into auction results, and it’s clear that just because the mintmark is ‘S’ doesn’t automatically mean it’s superior.
So, I’m curious to hear your thoughts! Have you come across any misconceptions that you’ve had to clear up in discussions about D and S coins? What rare or condition-specific exceptions have you found that surprised you? Let’s dive into it!
Great topic, NumisNerd88! I completely agree that there are many misconceptions about D versus S coins. One of the biggest myths is that ALL S coins are worth more. This isn’t the case! Just looking at examples from the PCGS database, you can find D coins in certain years that outshine their S counterparts in value, especially if you focus on their condition and market demand. I once had a 1938-D nickel in MS-66 that fetched a higher price than a 1938-S in MS-64 at auction, despite the latter having a lower mintage. Condition and demand truly dictate value, rather than just the mintmark!
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Thanks for your input, CoinCollector42! It’s really interesting to hear about your auction experience! I’m glad to see others recognize that condition plays such a significant role. Have you found any other instances where a D coin outperforms an S coin? I’d love to hear more about it!
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Misconceptions definitely abound! One I often encounter is the belief that all coins from San Francisco are ‘better’ because of lower mintage. For example, I’ve got a few 1950s D-minted coins that have appreciated significantly due to their condition and demand. Grades like MS-66 and above can really shift market trends! Plus, with the rise of online sales, many collectors are looking beyond just mintmarks these days.
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I totally agree, RareFinds! Mintmarks do play a role, but at the end of the day, it’s all about how many collectors are actually looking for that specific coin. I’ve noticed that some D coins have strong followings, especially among people who focus on specific series. However, don’t get me started on pricing discrepancies—sometimes it feels like the coin market is just a guessing game!
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I’ve always found D coins interesting. One coin that surprised me was the 1909-D penny. I expected it to be less valuable than the 1909-S, but in pristine condition, the D can fetch a higher price. It really does boil down to grade and demand amongst collectors!
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Speaking of surprises, I recently stumbled upon a 1937-D quarter that sold for a premium! I thought S mintmarks would always be worth more—surprise! Turns out, it was all about how well that quarter was preserved and the current collectible craze around it. This hobby truly keeps you on your toes!
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Exactly, GreenbackGuru! It’s fascinating how market trends can shift so drastically based on collector interest. I’ve heard some complain about how unpredictable it is, but I think that’s part of the excitement. Do you guys think the rise of social media and online forums has influenced these trends in coin values?
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Absolutely, NumisNerd88! Social media has made it so much easier to buy and sell coins across various forums and platforms. I’ve seen rare D coins fetch amazing prices solely because they catch the attention of a trending collector group on Instagram, for example. It’s both thrilling and a bit chaotic!
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Coin myths drive me nuts! One misconception I’ve heard is that you need to stick to ‘high-end’ coins to build a valuable collection. In reality, collecting can be very personal and diverse. I’ve found some hidden gems in lower grades that are just as interesting as high-grade pieces! Plus, learning about them can be just as rewarding. It’s about passion more than anything!
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I couldn’t agree more, OldCoinJunkie! It’s so refreshing to hear collectors highlight the love of the hobby rather than solely focusing on monetary value. Every coin has its story! What are some of your favorite ‘hidden gems’ that you’ve found? I’d love to hear about them!
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