Tweet
In 1979 I bought 2 proof sets from the mint. When I learned of the two mint mark varieties, I checked my sets and was convinced I had the scarcer Type II set. I took it to my local coin shop and was told that only the nickel was a Type II -- the rest of the set was a Type 1. I was told I needed to see a polished field within the loops of the S for it to be Type II. He offered me a few extra bucks over mint issue -- but I was not interested in selling.
About 2 years ago, I bought a complete 1979 Type II proof set on eBay. In comparing the set to what I'd found back in '79 -- I found out the coin dealer was wrong. Those original sets were complete Type II sets. I've since bought several sets - some with full and some with partial Type II coins - and have been amazed at how different the Type II mint mark can look. Based on information on Ken Potters web site and other references, I've come to learn that Type I vs. Type II is not about polished fields or 'clear S' vs. 'filled S'. It is about the style of the mint mark. The S can be filled (not polished) and still be a Type II. Below is a chart I did showing 2 columns of Type II mint marks - compared to the usual 'blob' that is pretty standard for the Type I mint mark. Since learning the difference, I've managed to cherry pick quite a few nice Type IIs from sellers that don't know the difference (or don't care).
About 2 years ago, I bought a complete 1979 Type II proof set on eBay. In comparing the set to what I'd found back in '79 -- I found out the coin dealer was wrong. Those original sets were complete Type II sets. I've since bought several sets - some with full and some with partial Type II coins - and have been amazed at how different the Type II mint mark can look. Based on information on Ken Potters web site and other references, I've come to learn that Type I vs. Type II is not about polished fields or 'clear S' vs. 'filled S'. It is about the style of the mint mark. The S can be filled (not polished) and still be a Type II. Below is a chart I did showing 2 columns of Type II mint marks - compared to the usual 'blob' that is pretty standard for the Type I mint mark. Since learning the difference, I've managed to cherry pick quite a few nice Type IIs from sellers that don't know the difference (or don't care).