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Question
Why are some of the values of coins marked with "D" or "S" worth more than the regular ones (i.e., 1921, 1921D, 1921S)?
Alline,
"D" and "S" mintmarks signify that the coin was made at one of the (smaller) branch mints (Denver & San Francisco) instead of at the main mint in Philadelphia.
Usually the number of coins made at the branch mints is lower than the quantities made at the main mint, making them generally rarer and more valuable.
A good example is the 1916 Mercury dime. While there were millions minted at the main mint, there were only a few hundred thousand minted at the Denver mint, making them extremely rare and valuable.
There are exceptions though. Take the 1914 half dollar -- the lowest mintage of the entire series came from the main mint -- ass opposed to the 1914-S half -- a much higher mintage from the San Francisco mint.
I hope this helps,
Dan
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Answers by Expert:
Dan Moore
Expertise
My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.
Experience
I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.
Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814
Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm
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