Marlin Golden 39A SN conundrum "A" prefix - solved: the "6" is actually a "C"

[AreWeNotMen?]

So I dredged through numerous Marlin forums trying to find out the mfg date of my Marlin Golden 39A; no luck. I'm not a member of any, so could not post my inquiry. In all the resources I found, there was no reference at all to an "A" prefix at all - every other prefix you can imagine, but crickets for the "A". It's possible I have a reading comprehension issue, compounded by a degree of dyslexia - so I'm asking for help.

The SN is A625XXX.

Back Story - My Dad bought the rifle used from Simm's Hardware in Sacramento, CA in the very late 1960's or very early 1970's for my older brother. They're both dead so it ended up with me years ago. I plan to pass it on to my nieces in TX, and would like to know the mfg date to provide a complete history/provenance.

Thanks for any help y'all can provide.

[ar15barrels]

google AI says:

For firearms like the Model 336 and Model 39A that had serial numbers, the year of manufacture is identified by a letter prefix that appears before the serial number.

• 1960: T
• 1961: U
• 1962: V
• 1963: W
• 1964: Y, Z
• 1965: AA
• 1966: AB
• 1967: AC
• Late 1968: AD

For rimfire rifles (1962–1968)
Many rimfire models, such as the Model 60, were not serialized until the Gun Control Act of 1968.
These rifles use a two-letter code stamped on the barrel to indicate the date.

1. Find the code: The two-letter code is usually on the barrel's left side, in front of the receiver.
2. Translate the code: The first letter indicates the month, and the second letter indicates the year.
   • Month (first letter): A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, D=Apr, E=May, F=June, G=July, H=Aug, I=Sep, J=Oct, K=Nov, L=Dec.
   • Year (second letter):
     • 1962: F
     • 1963: G
     • 1964: H
     • 1965: I
     • 1966: J
     • 1967: K
     • 1968: L

Example: A barrel code of "JK" means the rifle was made in October of 1967.
For all models (1968 and later)
After the 1968 law, all Marlin firearms were serialized. For rifles made between 1968 and 1972, the first two numbers of the serial number are the year of manufacture.

• 1968: Serial numbers begin with "68".
• 1969: Serial numbers begin with "69".
• 1970: Serial numbers begin with "70".
• 1971: Serial numbers begin with "71".
• 1972: Serial numbers begin with "72".

"A" prefix is likely an early AA that the person stamping the barrel only stamped one "A" because it was so new when just the year before, they were on letter Z.
That would make it a 1965.

Then there is this:

[AreWeNotMen?]

Upon a deep clean and using a magnifier, I've discovered the alleged "6" in the SN is actually a "C" 😳

So, from the kind/informative post by ar15barrels, I see my 39A was made in 1967.