Question regarding S Mint Marks

[VAB2013]

Is it correct that proofs are only minted in San Francisco? It is extremely rare that I find a "S" coin in circulation, but I have a few. Does that mean that it is a proof coin that was put into circulation? I know I have a 1955, 1970 and 1972 S and my 70's look suspicious.

Thanks!!

[jallengomez]

The San Francisco mint also struck business strikes through 1974, so they are prevalent. We just don't see a lot of them in circulation here on the East coast. I've heard people out West who are lucky to find Philly mint coins.

[Arjohn]

Since 74 Cent Proofs are all made in the San Francisco Mint. No Business strike "S" cents are made

[VAB2013]

Are you saying that a S coin after 1974 would have to be a circulated proof? Sorry... dealing with a girl brain

[willbrooks]

Are you saying that a S coin after 1974 would have to be a circulated proof? Sorry... dealing with a girl brain

This is a true statement.

[VAB2013]

Thank you, we don't see many S's in the south so I get all giddy when I find one regardless of what it looks like

[willbrooks]

To address your initial post, the 1955S is a business strike. The proofs for that year did not have a mint mark. From 1968-1972, there were both business strikes with S mint marks and also the proofs for those years had an S mint mark. While it is certainly possible to find proofs from these years in circulation, they are most likely just business strikes.

[VAB2013]

Thank you very much willbrooks

[Maineman750]

Since 74 Cent Proofs are all made in the San Francisco Mint. Not Business strike "S" cents are made

That would be 1968 when they began making proof cents at San Fransisco.

[Arjohn]

That would be 1968 when they began making proof cents at San Fransisco.

But they made business strike too until 74 --- Right??

[Maineman750]

But they made business strike too until 74 --- Right??

Correct, memorial S mint business strikes and proofs were made from 1968 until 1974, any S mints you find after that are proofs.

[VAB2013]

Whew... that was a tough one to follow. Thanks everybody for your input and thank you Maineman for keeping us straight!

[GrumpyEd]

The only thing to add, you probably know...
The pre 1968 (there are no 65-66-67 proofs) and the earlier proofs from years with proofs are plain, not S.

[enamel7]

Are you saying that a S coin after 1974 would have to be a circulated proof? Sorry... dealing with a girl brain

That is correct.