The San Francisco Mint has a long and interesting history, starting with the California Gold Rush . The mint mark for coins produced there is an “S”.
Here’s a summary of the types of coins produced at the San Francisco Mint throughout its history:
- Early Production (1854 – early 1900s):
– Primarily gold coins, particularly $20 pieces, but also gold dollars, quarter eagles, half eagles, and eagles.
– Significant quantities of Morgan silver dollars, especially in the early 1880s.
– First mint outside Philadelphia to strike copper (1908 Indian Cent) and nickel (1912 Liberty Nickel) coinage.
– Also known for some rare dates like the 1870-S $3 piece and the 1909 Lincoln Cent with the “VDB” initials.
- Later Production (1937 – present):
– Began producing proof coinage in 1968, taking over from the Philadelphia Mint.
– Struck some circulating coinage from 1968 through 1974.
– Primarily produces clad and silver proof coin sets for collectors and investors.
– Exceptions include:
– Susan B. Anthony dollar from 1979-81.
– A portion of cents in the early 1980s.
– Circulation-strike America the Beautiful quarters (collector editions) marked with an “S” mintmark since 2012.
– Also produces commemorative coins as authorized by Congress.
In short, while the San Francisco Mint no longer produces coins for general circulation, it plays a vital role in creating proof coinage and commemorative issues for collectors and investors.
Are San Francisco Mint coins silver?
The San Francisco Mint, which opened in 1854 in response to the California Gold Rush, produces our country’s clad and silver proof coin sets, as well as commemorative coins as instructed by Congress. That includes the newly redesigned Silver American Eagle Proof coins.
Does the San Francisco Mint still Mint coins?
The United States Mint at San Francisco plays an important role in our nation’s coinage. Although it does not currently produce circulating coins, it mints: Clad and silver proof coin sets. Commemorative coins as authorized by Congress.
Does the San Francisco Mint only make proof coins?
Good point! San Francisco proof sets (1968–present)
Since 1975, San Francisco has only struck coins for collectors and investors, with the proof set being its main product (one major exception is the Susan B. Anthony dollar, produced 1979–1981).