What is a Mint Mark?

In most cases a coin has what is termed a "mint mark" that designates where the coin was minted. Consider it a birth mark of sorts. A mint mark can be located on the obverse (front) or reverse of the coin and is placed in various locations depending on the coin. Over the years, there have been many different mint facilities producing a wide variety of coins. Collectors often strive to have a coin from each mint in their collection. Follow the guide below to help decipher where a coin was produced:

Guide on where coins were produced

P – Philadelphia: The nation's first mint facility opened in 1793 and is still in operation today. All coins produced here have a "P" stamped into the coin except for the penny, which does not have any mark. Interestingly, all nickel material was removed from the 5-cent coin during WW II. During this time the "P" mint mark was moved directly above the dome of Monticello. After the war, it was moved back to its original location.

S – San Francisco: The second oldest facility, San Francisco opened amid the California gold rush in 1854. It currently produces all regular proof and silver proof coin sets.

D – Denver: The Denver facility has been open since 1863. Oddly enough, the US Mint states that "this production facility first operated as an assay office weighing, measuring and melting gold nuggets and dust from miners during the gold rush era."

W – West Point: Located near the military academy in New York, this facility opened in 1937 and currently produces all American Eagle proof and uncirculated gold, silver and platinum coins.

C – Charlotte, NC: Built in 1838 this facility minted pure gold coins until its closure after the Civil War in 1861.

D – Dahlonega, Georgia: Also built in 1838, gold coins were produced here to support the gold rush raging across the country. This facility also closed in 1861 soon after the end of the Civil War.

O – New Orleans: The third branch built in 1838, this facility produced both gold and silver coins off and on until 1909.

CC – Carson City, Nevada: Minting in this branch produced silver dollar coins beginning in 1869 because of the large silver deposit discovered nearby. Gold ten-dollar pieces follow in 1970 until the facility closed in 1933.

Coin collecting is a great hobby and understanding mint marks can also help identify rare and valuable coins. The U.S. Mint website offers a wonderful historical timeline showing coin facts and other valuable information.