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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/disappearing "S" mint mark

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Expert: - 8/19/2009


Question
I recall an error on one of the coins from the US mint silver proof set prior to 2006. On one of the 10-11 coins encased, the "S" mint mark would disappear when held at a certain angle. I cannot remember if this coin was one of the quarters or one of the other coins. I also cannot remember what year set it was. Can you tell me which year this error occured and on what coin the "S" was on? It was definetly a coin from the US MInt Silver Proof set that included the state quarters

Answer
Susan,

You are probably referring to the disappearing 3 in the 2003 silver proof set -- due to overpolishing of the die, the 3 became worn down and when tilted in the light appears to fade into the background.

There is an example of this coin that sold on eBay back in July for $4.49  here :

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200360723587

I hope this helps,

Dan

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Dan Moore

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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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