What Is a Mint Mark?
A mint mark is a small letter on a coin that identifies the mint facility where it was struck. Together with the date, it identifies a specific coin. Collectors care because the same date can have very different mintages from different mints, and that affects scarcity and price.
Main US Mint Marks
- P: Philadelphia
- D: Denver
- S: San Francisco
- W: West Point
- CC: Carson City (historic, 1870 to 1893)
- O: New Orleans (historic)
- C and D: Charlotte and Dahlonega, which struck gold coins in the 1800s (the Dahlonega “D” is not the Denver “D”)
Not every mint struck every denomination or year. Carson City coins, for example, are popular because of the short life of that mint, and many are scarce.
Where to Find the Mint Mark
The position varies by denomination and era, so check a reference for the specific coin. General guidance:
- Lincoln cents: On the obverse, below the date. Philadelphia cents generally carry no mint mark.
- Modern quarters, dimes, and half dollars: On the obverse, in a small spot near the portrait or date. On dimes since 1968, it sits above the date.
- Jefferson nickels: Modern ones carry the mark on the obverse. Earlier ones have it on the reverse, to the right of Monticello, and wartime silver-alloy nickels (1942 to 1945) show a large mint mark above the building.
- Older coins: Often on the reverse for some denominations, such as beneath the wreath or eagle.
From 1965 through 1967, US coins carried no mint marks at all. Beginning in 1968, marks were placed on the obverse for most coins.
A 5x to 10x magnifier and good light help with small letters.
How to Tell if a Quarter Is P or D
Look at the front of a modern Washington quarter, near the portrait. A “P” means Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver. A letter that is small and a little worn can look unclear, so use magnification. The exact spot differs for older quarters, so verify with a reference for that year.
Are Coins With No Mint Mark Valuable?
Not by themselves. For some coins, a missing mint mark is simply normal: Philadelphia cents are one example, and coins from 1965 to 1967 also lack them. In a few cases, though, collectors prize a specific “no mint mark” coin, such as when the mint mark was unintentionally omitted from a die, a known error. These are the exception, and you should confirm through an expert, because the absence can also result from wear or damage. See valuable coins in circulation for more on realistic finds.
Does the Mint Mark Change Value?
Often. A higher or lower mintage at a particular mint can make a date scarce. The 1909-S VDB cent and 1916-D Mercury dime are examples, discussed in key date US coins. Altering mint marks is a classic counterfeiting method, so be careful with expensive coins, and prefer certified examples.
Mint Mark Varieties
Sometimes mint marks were punched twice or over another letter. These repunched and over mint marks are collectible varieties. Learn more in coin varieties.
Mint Marks Beyond the US
Other countries also use mint marks, symbols, or privy marks to denote mints. Details differ by country, so check a catalog for the coins you collect, and see Canadian coin grading if you collect Canadian coins.
For general background, begin with coin collecting 101.