Owner Comments:
Lyman Allen #2.06a S/S (KM #163) – Mintage: 2,187,000 (variety mintages unknown)
Only the 1909-S has a lower mintage, yet this issue is relatively easy to find in a high state of preservation. It is the first centavo coin minted for circulation since 1905 and the first minted by the San Francisco mint (which probably accounts for the high availability). The varieties, however, are not as easy to come by and are even more difficult if high grade RD or RB. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to acquire this one.
It is interesting to note that although other silver denominations were minted by the San Francisco mint prior to 1908, no USA/Philippine minor coinage (cents or nickels) was produced there. No minor coinage could be produced at any of the branch mints until 1906 when the US Congress passed a bill specifically allowing it. The increased demand for minor coinage in the Western United Sates paved the way for the minting of Philippine centavos at the San Francisco Mint. This event also marked the end of centavo production in Philadelphia.
This coin is ALLEN-2.06a which is the over mint mark S/S. The initial S was placed too high and the second punch failed to completely cover it. Parts of the original “S” protrude above the second strike giving it the appearance of having horns. So much so, that it is commonly referred to as the “horned ‘S’ variety.” This variety is recognized by both NGC and PCGS and will be identified as such on their labels.
This coin is redder than many RD coins in my collection, and I have no idea why it is labeled as RB (perhaps the grader was feeling exceptionally conservative the day this coin came through?) It is also very well struck with the entire outline of the top of the underlying S visible. It is currently one of the two finest know examples of the ALLEN-2.06a variety. The other MS65RB was graded by NGC.
Allen Varieties
ALLEN-2.06 - Normal date and mint mark.
ALLEN-2.06a - Over mint mark S/S. (This coin) This variety is recognized by NGC and PCGS.
ALLEN-2.06b - Over mint mark S/S/S & RPD - Even more dramatic than ALLEN-2.06a, the mint mark was triple punched (both high and low) and the first 2 digits of the date are doubled. This variety is recognized by NGC and PCGS.
Date acquired: 10/07/2012 (already graded by PCGS)
Rev. 2/28/2018