Have you ever looked closely at the pennies in your pocket? Probably not, right? But what if one of those seemingly worthless copper coins was actually worth thousands of dollars? That's the potential reality with the 1990 No S Proof Penny. This rare error coin, missing the "S" mint mark that indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, is a highly sought-after collectible, representing a fascinating intersection of numismatic error, limited production, and sheer luck for the finder.
Identifying a 1990 No S Penny correctly is crucial for both casual collectors and serious numismatists. Mistaking a regular 1990 penny, or worse, a counterfeit, for the genuine error could lead to disappointment and wasted time. Conversely, overlooking a real No S Penny could mean missing out on a significant windfall. The value of this error coin has steadily increased over the years, making accurate identification skills essential for anyone interested in coin collecting.
What are the key identifying features of a genuine 1990 No S Proof Penny?
Is the "S" mint mark always completely missing on a 1990 no S penny?
Yes, on a genuine 1990 No S proof penny, the "S" mint mark should be completely absent. This applies specifically to proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. If any trace of the "S" is visible, the coin is not a true "No S" variety.
The 1990 No S Lincoln cent is a notable error coin created when proof cents were struck at the San Francisco Mint without the "S" mint mark being punched into the die. This error is highly sought after by collectors, making it essential to verify the authenticity of any suspected 1990 No S penny. Careful examination under magnification is often necessary to confirm the complete absence of the "S" mint mark. The location where the "S" should be found is to the right of Lincoln's bust, below the date. It's important to distinguish a genuine 1990 No S proof penny from altered or damaged coins. Someone might attempt to remove the "S" mint mark from a regular 1990-S proof cent to create a counterfeit. Microscopic examination can often reveal evidence of such alterations, such as tooling marks or residual metal where the mint mark once was. Furthermore, genuine 1990 No S pennies will have the characteristic mirror-like finish of a proof coin.What magnification is needed to properly inspect for the missing "S"?
A magnification of 5x to 10x is generally sufficient to properly inspect a 1990 penny for the missing "S" mint mark. This level of magnification allows you to clearly see the area where the "S" should be located and identify any faint traces of it, or confirm its complete absence.
Higher magnification is not necessarily better. While a very powerful microscope could reveal minute details, it can also make the process cumbersome and harder to get an overall sense of the coin's surface. The key is to have enough magnification to clearly distinguish between a normal mint mark, a weakly struck mint mark, and the complete absence of the "S". A simple jeweler's loupe or a magnifying glass within the 5x-10x range is perfectly adequate. It's also essential to have good lighting. Proper illumination will help highlight subtle differences in the coin's surface and make it easier to see any evidence of the mint mark. Experiment with different angles of light to find the best visibility. Remember to focus on the area to the right of the building on the reverse of the coin, just below the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," which is where the "S" (for San Francisco) should be.Besides the mint mark, are there other diagnostics to help identify a 1990 no S proof penny?
Yes, while the missing "S" mint mark is the primary indicator of a 1990 no S proof penny, other diagnostics can help confirm its authenticity. These mainly revolve around the coin's overall appearance and characteristics inherent to proof coins.
A genuine 1990 no S proof penny will exhibit a mirrored, reflective surface in the fields (the flat areas around the design) and a frosted, often slightly textured, appearance on the raised design elements like Lincoln's portrait and the lettering. This contrast is a hallmark of proof coinage. Examine the coin carefully for any signs of circulation wear or damage, as a proof coin should be in pristine condition, typically graded as PR65 or higher. Pay close attention to the sharpness of the details; proof coins are struck with greater pressure than regular business strike coins, resulting in sharper features. Furthermore, consider the metal composition and weight. While this requires more specialized equipment, a genuine copper-plated zinc cent will have specific weight characteristics. Comparing it to a known genuine 1990 proof cent can be helpful. Finally, check the coin's edge. A proof coin should have a clean, square edge, not rounded or damaged. While these secondary characteristics aren't definitive on their own, they provide supporting evidence when combined with the absent "S" mint mark, making for a stronger case of genuine identification.What is the difference in value between a circulated and uncirculated 1990 no S penny?
The difference in value between a circulated and uncirculated 1990 no S proof penny can be significant. A circulated example, showing wear and tear, might fetch anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending on the degree of wear and the specific buyer. An uncirculated example, retaining its original mint luster and showing no signs of wear, can command prices ranging from $2,500 to upwards of $7,500 or even higher, especially if it's graded highly by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The primary reason for this drastic price difference is condition. Uncirculated coins are simply rarer in better condition. They haven't been subjected to the scratches, dents, and environmental factors that degrade the appearance of circulated coins. Coin collectors are willing to pay a premium for coins that look as close to their original, freshly-minted state as possible. This is because condition directly impacts the coin's eye appeal, historical preservation, and long-term investment potential.
Furthermore, the survival rate of uncirculated examples from any error coin mintage is naturally lower. Most examples will be discovered in circulation over time, and damaged. This makes those few uncirculated examples that do survive extremely valuable because they represent an exceptionally small segment of the original mintage. Grading services play a critical role in determining the value of these coins because the grade assigned directly reflects its condition. Coins graded higher, like MS65 or MS67 (Mint State), command a much higher premium.
Where is the "S" mint mark located on a normal 1990 proof penny?
On a normal 1990 proof penny, the "S" mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date (1990) and to the right of Lincoln's bust. It's a small, distinct letter indicating that the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint.
The presence or absence of this "S" mint mark is crucial in differentiating between a common 1990 proof penny and the highly sought-after 1990 "no S" proof penny. Regular proof pennies were struck at the San Francisco Mint, which explains why they bear the "S" mint mark. However, a small number of proof coins were accidentally released without the mint mark because a mint mark punch was left off the die, making the error coins more valuable. Therefore, when searching for a 1990 "no S" proof penny, the first place to inspect is the area below the date on the obverse. If the "S" is missing, it could potentially be the valuable error coin. Keep in mind that the coin should also exhibit the characteristic qualities of a proof coin, such as a mirrored field and sharply defined details, to avoid mistaking it for a business strike.Are there any known counterfeit 1990 no S pennies to watch out for?
While the 1990 No S proof Lincoln cent is a valuable error coin, reports of outright counterfeits specifically designed to mimic the error are rare. The primary concern is altered coins, where the "S" mintmark has been deliberately removed from a regular 1990-S proof cent to create the illusion of the missing mintmark variety.
The relative lack of dedicated counterfeit 1990 No S pennies is likely due to the difficulty and expense involved in creating a convincing fake. It's far easier and more profitable for counterfeiters to focus on precious metal coins or commonly traded issues. However, deceptive alterations are a significant problem. These altered coins can be difficult to detect without careful examination and knowledge of die characteristics specific to 1990-S proof cents. A skilled counterfeiter can remove the mintmark in a way that is not immediately obvious, especially to inexperienced collectors.
Therefore, when evaluating a 1990 No S penny, extreme caution is advised. Always purchase from reputable dealers and consider having the coin authenticated by a trusted third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. These services have the expertise and tools to detect alterations and confirm the coin's authenticity. Additionally, comparing the coin to known genuine examples (images can be found online) can help reveal inconsistencies that might indicate tampering. Examining the area where the "S" mintmark should be located under magnification is crucial. Look for signs of tooling, polishing, or any disturbance in the metal's surface texture.
What is the best method for authenticating a purported 1990 no S penny?
The best method for authenticating a purported 1990 no S proof penny involves a multi-step verification process: first, confirm it is a proof coin; second, meticulously examine the coin under magnification for any signs of tampering where the "S" mintmark should be; and third, compare the coin's characteristics (luster, strike quality, die markers) to known genuine examples and consult with a reputable numismatist if uncertainty remains.
The 1990 no S proof Lincoln cent is a significant error coin, created when the San Francisco (S) mintmark was mistakenly omitted from the proof die. Because of its value, fakes and altered coins are prevalent. The initial step is to verify that the coin is indeed a proof. Proof coins exhibit a mirrored surface and a sharply defined strike, significantly different from the duller surfaces and less defined details of business strike coins. Look closely at the fields (the flat areas around the design elements); genuine proof coins will have deep, reflective fields. If the coin lacks these proof characteristics, it is not a genuine 1990 no S proof.
Next, scrutinize the area where the "S" mintmark should be located, just to the lower right of Lincoln's bust. Using a magnifying glass or a microscope, look for any evidence of tooling, polishing, or metal displacement that might indicate the mintmark was removed. An authentic error will show no such alterations. Finally, compare the suspect coin to known genuine examples. Online resources and reputable coin dealers can provide high-resolution images of authenticated 1990 no S proof pennies. Look for matching die markers (unique imperfections on the die that transfer to the coin) and the overall appearance of the coin. Due to the rarity and value, seeking an opinion from a respected numismatist or submitting the coin to a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC is always advisable for definitive authentication.
Well, there you have it! Hopefully, you're now well-equipped to go forth and hunt for that elusive 1990 No S penny. Thanks for taking the time to learn a little more about coin collecting, and good luck with your search! Be sure to come back again soon for more helpful tips and tricks.