Where Is the Mint Mark on U.S. Coins?

Mint marks are small letters or symbols found on U.S. coins that indicate their origin. They provide valuable information about a coin’s production history and distinguish coins by their minting facility.

What Mint Marks Represent

A mint mark is a distinct letter or symbol stamped onto a coin, primarily identifying the specific U.S. Mint facility where it was produced. This practice began in the United States following the Congressional Act of March 3, 1835, which established the first branch Mints. Mint marks were introduced for accountability and quality control, providing a way to trace coins back to their source if any issues arose.

Historically, the U.S. Mint has operated several facilities, each designated by a unique letter. The main facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, often produced coins without a mint mark for many years, though it now uses a “P.” The Denver Mint in Colorado is denoted by a “D,” and the San Francisco Mint in California uses an “S,” with the West Point Mint in New York using a “W.” Past mints, no longer in operation, include Charlotte (“C”), Dahlonega (“D” for gold coins), New Orleans (“O”), and Carson City (“CC”). These letter designations allow collectors to pinpoint a coin’s origin, which can significantly influence its collectibility and market value.

Locating Mint Marks on U.S. Coins

Locating a mint mark on a U.S. coin requires careful observation, as their placement has varied across different denominations and historical periods. Using proper lighting and a magnifying glass can assist in identifying these small indicators. While many older coins typically feature the mint mark on the reverse, or “tails” side, a general shift occurred in 1968 where mint marks largely moved to the obverse, or “heads” side, of circulating coinage. Specific placements depend on the coin series and its year of mintage.

Lincoln Cents

For Lincoln Cents, the mint mark is found on the obverse, directly below the date. Cents from Denver will have a “D” and San Francisco cents an “S” in this location. In 2017, Philadelphia-minted cents briefly carried a “P” mint mark for the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary.

Jefferson Nickels

Jefferson Nickels have seen their mint mark placement change multiple times. From 1938 to 1942, and again from 1946 to 1964, the mark appeared on the reverse, to the right of Monticello. During World War II (1942-1945), “Wartime Nickels” prominently displayed a large “P,” “D,” or “S” above Monticello on the reverse. After 1968, the mint mark for nickels moved to the obverse, positioned below the date and near Jefferson’s braid.

Roosevelt Dimes

From 1946 through 1964, the mint mark was situated on the reverse, to the left of the torch. Beginning in 1968, the mint mark was relocated to the obverse, found above the date. Philadelphia-struck dimes lacked a mint mark until 1980, when the “P” was introduced for most denominations.

Washington Quarters

From 1932 to 1964, the mint mark was located on the reverse, beneath the eagle. In 1968, the mint mark moved to the obverse, appearing to the right of Washington’s ponytail. The “P” mint mark for Philadelphia quarters was added in 1980.

Half Dollars

For Half Dollars, the mint mark’s position has evolved. On the initial 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, the mint mark was placed on the reverse, below the eagle. From 1968 onward, the mint mark is found on the obverse, above the date and below Kennedy’s profile.

Silver Dollars

Silver Dollars generally have their mint marks on the reverse. For Morgan Silver Dollars (1878-1921), the mint mark is located below the wreath. Peace Silver Dollars (1921-1935) feature their mint mark below the word “ONE” and to the left of the eagle’s tail feathers. The absence of a mint mark on these dollars typically indicates production at the Philadelphia Mint.

Understanding Coins Without a Mint Mark

When a U.S. coin appears to lack a mint mark, it typically indicates that the coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. For a significant portion of its history, the Philadelphia Mint did not apply a mint mark to its coinage, operating as the default origin. This tradition, however, has evolved over time.

While Philadelphia-minted coins largely went unmarked, a notable exception occurred during World War II (1942-1945), when a “P” mint mark was used on “Wartime Nickels” to denote their altered silver composition. This marked the first appearance of a “P” mint mark on U.S. coinage. The “P” mint mark made a more permanent return in 1979 on the Susan B. Anthony dollar. Since 1980, the “P” mint mark has been added to all circulating denominations produced in Philadelphia, with the exception of the Lincoln Cent. The Lincoln Cent maintained its tradition of not displaying a “P” mint mark until a temporary “P” was added in 2017 for the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary, removed again in 2018.