What Do the Letters Mean on Coins?

Coins bear various letters. These markings serve specific purposes, conveying important information about a coin’s origin, design, and national identity. Understanding these letters can reveal details about a coin’s journey from the mint to circulation. Each inscription, whether a single letter or a full phrase, contributes to the unique story embedded within the metallic surface.

Mint Marks

A significant letter found on many United States coins is the mint mark, which indicates the facility where the coin was produced. These are typically single letters, though historical mints used double letters like “CC” for Carson City. The primary operating U.S. Mint facilities today are Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point, each assigned a specific letter. For example, a “D” signifies the Denver Mint, while an “S” denotes the San Francisco Mint. The “P” mint mark is used for coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint, though historically, most coins from Philadelphia did not bear a mint mark, with notable exceptions such as wartime nickels and Susan B. Anthony dollars. Coins from the West Point Mint carry a “W” mint mark.

The placement of mint marks can vary depending on the coin’s denomination and its year of mintage. Before 1968, mint marks were commonly located on the reverse side of the coin. However, since 1968, the mint mark generally appears on the obverse (front) side, often near the date. For instance, on a Lincoln Cent, the mint mark is typically found under the date, while on a Roosevelt Dime, it is near the bottom left of the torch on the reverse for earlier issues, and above the date on the obverse for later ones.

National Inscriptions and Mottoes

United States coins feature several national inscriptions and mottoes that reflect American values and historical principles. The word “LIBERTY” is a foundational inscription, mandated by the Coinage Act of 1792 to appear on all circulating coins. This inscription often accompanies an allegorical representation of Lady Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy that has evolved in depiction over centuries of U.S. coinage.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” became the official national motto in 1956. This motto first appeared on the 1864 two-cent coin during the Civil War, reflecting increased religious sentiment during that turbulent period. Since 1938, “IN GOD WE TRUST” has been continuously present on all circulating U.S. coins, typically found on the obverse side.

The Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one,” is a longstanding motto signifying the unity of the individual states into a single nation. It first appeared on U.S. coins in 1795 on the Half Eagle gold piece and was later mandated by an 1873 law to appear on all U.S. Mint-struck coins. This phrase is found on the reverse side of coins, such as above the eagle on many denominations. Additionally, the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is legally required and identifies the issuing country, placed on the reverse side of the coin.

Engraver Initials and Other Markings

Beyond mint marks and national mottoes, some coins feature smaller letters that serve to credit the artists responsible for their design. These are the initials of the coin’s designer or engraver. The inclusion of these initials allows the artists to “sign” their work, similar to how painters or sculptors mark their creations. These initials are subtly integrated into the coin’s design, found near the edge of a portrait or within a specific design element.

For instance, the initials “VDB” for Victor David Brenner are found on the Lincoln Cent, acknowledging his design work. James B. Longacre’s initials, “JBL,” appeared on the Liberty Head Double Eagle and gold dollar, marking some of the earliest instances of designer initials on federal coins. The placement can vary, requiring close inspection to locate them. While not as universally prominent as mint marks or national inscriptions, these subtle letter markings offer insight into the artistic heritage of U.S. coinage.