Error Other | smaller than norm mint mark

[Guest]

was looking at my coppers cents and found a 1973 d

but the d seems smaller than normal... ill post pics tomorrow.

Also, does this type of error even exist? i searched wrong mint mark size pennies and couldnt find anything

[jallengomez]

I'll wait for the pics, but the appearance of the mint mark can vary based upon several factors: die stage, strength of the strike, strength of the mint mark punching, etc.

[hasfam]

i searched wrong mint mark size pennies and couldnt find anything

That's because there is no such thing. Mint mark sizes depend on the MM punch made, the strength of the punch, etc,etc. The same thing goes for the mint mark location. There is no such thing as a wrong location.

[GrumpyEd]

There are a few years with different sizes of mintmark like 1941-S has 2 sizes, some years have several styles like 1946-S.

For 1973 the D it's probably what Jallengomez said above or even the coin might be a plain with a dent that looks like a small D.

You'll need a pic for a good explanation

[mustbebob]

The only denomination that I know about with a different size mint mark is the 1945S Mercury dime. Some were minted with what they call a 'Micro S'. Although there are different style mint marks on Lincoln cents, there is not a size difference.

[jcuve]

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with what has been stated. There was only one punch used in 1973 for Denver. That would mean there is some other reason, probably one that Jody suggested earlier....

[trails]

The 1928 Lincoln cent had a small and large size "S" mintnmark as did the 1941 "S". These different size were attributed to different "S" mintmark punches used for those two dates. Both of these mintmark variations were of a different font style as well.

If we delve into the VAM world there is the 1880-O with medium and small mintmarks, the 1902-O with regular and micro mintmarks and the 1903-S with large and small mintmarks.

I am sure that there are others as well, However, there appear to be no mintmarks of different sizes that use the same font style.

[d1mes_101]

The 1928 Lincoln cent had a small and large size "S" mintnmark as did the 1941 "S". These different size were attributed to different "S" mintmark punches used for those two dates. Both of these mintmark variations were of a different font style as well.

If we delve into the VAM world there is the 1880-O with medium and small mintmarks, the 1902-O with regular and micro mintmarks and the 1903-S with large and small mintmarks.

I am sure that there are others as well, However, there appear to be no mintmarks of different sizes that use the same font style.

Here are the pictures.
On the small mm 73 the d is much lower than the norm. Also I noticed something on the top left of the 7 in 73 (maybe doubling)

[d1mes_101]

Comparing normal to small mm

[jcuve]

You're going to need bigger pics of the area in question. Try holding a loupe to a digital camera lens and focusing on the MM. There are myriad reasons to explain what you are seeing and we need will need a better picture of the MM.