What Do the D and P Mint Marks Mean on Coins?

Coins, beyond their monetary value, serve as tangible pieces of history, often carrying subtle indicators that reveal aspects of their origin. These small, often overlooked markings provide a unique insight into the coin’s journey from minting facility to circulation. Understanding these identifiers helps enthusiasts and collectors trace a coin’s provenance, linking it to a specific time and place of production. Such details contribute to the broader narrative of currency and its role in commerce.

Deciphering “D” and “P” Mint Marks

The small letters found on coins, known as mint marks, denote the facility where the coin was produced. The “D” mint mark signifies production at the United States Mint in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Mint began striking coins in 1906, and its “D” mint mark has been used on coinage since then.

The “P” mint mark indicates a coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the first and oldest national mint in the United States, established in 1792. For much of its history, coins produced in Philadelphia did not carry a mint mark, as it was the primary mint. A “P” mint mark did appear on Jefferson nickels from 1942 to 1945.

The “P” mint mark became a regular feature on most circulating coins from Philadelphia starting in 1980, following its reintroduction on the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979. The Lincoln cent, however, generally did not bear a “P” mint mark until 2017. In 2017, a “P” mint mark was added to all Lincoln cents produced that year, marking the first time the penny carried this specific mint mark. This was a one-year change, and the “P” mint mark was not used on cents from Philadelphia in subsequent years.

Exploring Other Mint Marks

Beyond the “D” and “P” marks, other letters have been used to identify different U.S. Mint facilities throughout history. The “S” mint mark designates coins produced at the San Francisco Mint, which began operations in 1854. While the San Francisco Mint produced circulating coinage for many years, it now primarily focuses on collector coins.

Another notable mint mark is “W,” which stands for the West Point Mint in New York. This facility, established in 1974, primarily produces collector coins and bullion, though some circulating coins with a “W” mint mark have been released. Historical mints also used unique marks, such as “O” for the New Orleans Mint (1838-1909) and “CC” for the Carson City Mint (1870-1893).

Locating Mint Marks on Coins

The placement of mint marks on coins can vary depending on the coin’s denomination and the year it was minted. For many modern U.S. coins, the mint mark is found on the obverse side of the coin, often near the date.

For instance, on Lincoln cents, the mint mark is located below the date on the obverse. On Jefferson nickels, the mint mark has appeared in different spots, but on modern issues, it is on the obverse near Jefferson’s bust. Washington quarters feature their mint mark on the obverse, to the right of George Washington’s bust. For Roosevelt dimes, the mint mark is on the obverse, to the right side below Roosevelt’s bust.