A mint mark on a coin is a small letter or symbol that indicates the specific minting facility where the coin was produced . This identifier helps track the origin and production of coins.
- Rarity and Value: Coins from mints with lower production numbers, like the Carson City Mint (CC) with its limited 19th-century operations, are rarer and often more valuable . Similarly, the West Point Mint (W) specializes in bullion and commemorative coins, making its mark highly sought after by collectors and investors.
- Historical Significance: Mint marks connect coins to their history. Those from now-closed Mints like New Orleans (O) or Carson City (CC) carry extra value for collectors appreciating their historical context.
- Minting Errors: Specific mint marks might be linked to unique errors or variations, making them rare and valuable to collectors . For example, the 1927-D Double Eagle , a rare gold coin with the “D” mint mark, is highly sought after by collectors, [according to Heritage Auctions].
- Authentication: Mint marks originally served as a form of quality control, helping to trace and hold mints accountable for adhering to specifications and metal compositions, especially with precious metals.
- Regional Interest: Collectors may seek out coins from particular Mints due to personal or regional ties.
- Reverse Side: Most coins display their mint marks on the reverse (tails) side, generally near the bottom. Morgan Silver Dollars , for instance, have the mark below the wreath.
- Obverse Side: On some coins, the mint mark can be found on the obverse (heads) side. For example, some Jefferson Nickels and Kennedy Half Dollars have the mark on the obverse . The mint mark on a Lincoln Penny is found below the date on the obverse.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Mint marks can be very small and may fade over time, making a magnifying glass a helpful tool for identification.
- P: Philadelphia (often no mark on older coins)
- D: Denver
- S: San Francisco
- W: West Point
- CC: Carson City (historic mint)
- O: New Orleans (historic mint)
- C: Charlotte (historic mint, only on early gold coinage)
Knowing about mint marks empowers collectors and investors to make informed decisions and better appreciate the stories behind their coins.
What is a mint mark on a coin?
From my experience, Mint Mark. A small letter or symbol on a coin used to identify where a coin was made. Current U.S. mint marks are P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and W (West Point). Learn more about mint marks.
Are coins with no mint mark rare?
Good point! The short answer is sometimes. Certain coins without mint marks are extremely valuable, but it’s essential to watch out for the coins that were altered or damaged by someone outside the mint. Here are several rare coins without mint marks that hold a much higher value than the original minted face value.
What year did they stop putting mint marks on coins?
Thanks for asking. Mint marks have not been on United States coins since passage of the Coinage Act of 1965 which prohibited the use of mint marks because of the coin shortage. In 1967 the Congress repealed this prohibition thereby authorizing the restoration of mint marks.
What mint mark is most valuable?
From my experience, The Rarest Mint Mark on a coin: 1870-CC
The 1870-CC mint mark is especially notable for several coins: 1870-CC Liberty Seated Dollar: This coin is one of the rarest, with only 11,758 pieces minted. In high grades, it can fetch upwards of several hundred thousand dollars.