In US coinage, the absence of a mint mark on a coin typically indicates that it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
- Early Years: The Philadelphia Mint was the first US Mint facility, operating for many years as the sole producer of coins. As such, there was no need to identify the origin of coins. This practice continued even after other mints opened.
- Wartime Exception: During World War II (1942-1945), when the composition of nickels changed to include silver, a prominent “P” mint mark was temporarily added to Philadelphia-struck nickels to distinguish them.
- 1965-1967 Coin Shortage: No mint marks appeared on circulating US coins from 1965 to 1967, regardless of where they were produced, due to a deliberate decision to discourage collecting during a coinage shortage.
- Modern Era: Beginning in 1979 with the Susan B. Anthony dollar, and generally since 1980, coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint (with the exception of cents) now carry a “P” mint mark.
If you find a modern US coin (post-1980) without a mint mark (and it’s not a cent), it might indicate an error coin or a special commemorative issue. However, for older coins (pre-1980), the lack of a mint mark usually points to the Philadelphia Mint as the place of origin.
It’s always recommended to consult a reputable coin guide or resource for specific information on a particular coin and its potential value, as exceptions and nuances in minting history can exist.
Why does my coin have no mint mark?
I can help with that. No mint marks appeared on circulating coins from 1965 to 1967. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated mint marks to discourage collecting while the Mint worked to meet the country’s coinage needs. Mint marks were placed on the reverse of coins until 1968 when they moved to the obverse.
Where is a coin minted if it has no mint mark?
What Are Coins With No Mint Marks? Not all coins have mint marks. For many years, Philadelphia minted millions of coins without their (P) mint mark simply because they were the only Mint in production, and there was no need to verify the location where the coin was struck.