So if I were to make a bet(poker player I look at everything this way) for $100.00 which dime would pay off more. Bu Dimes, 2 @ 49 or 50@ 1.99. The lower mintage is the lower price.
2@49. The disparity indicates a good supply of 55s regardless of the mintage, and all other things being equal, S mints will always carry a better premium.
Of course the S Minted coins will always bring a higher price. It is just that people always want something where there just ain't no more. By that I mean the only S minted coins now are proofs so that is to many people the end of standard production coinage there. Same comparison with the Edsel cars. When they were being made no one wanted them. Now worth a small fortune.