Mint Marks
A mint mark identifies the facility that produced a coin. It can help establish origin and sometimes rarity, but its location and meaning depend on denomination, design, and year.
In This Guide
Common United States Mint Marks
| Mark | Mint | Location | Operating Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Current; many older coins omit P |
| D | Denver | Colorado | Current |
| S | San Francisco | California | Current collector production; historic circulation |
| W | West Point | New York | Bullion and collector production |
| O | New Orleans | Louisiana | Historic, 1838–1861 and 1879–1909 |
| CC | Carson City | Nevada | Historic, 1870–1893 |
| C | Charlotte | North Carolina | Historic gold, 1838–1861 |
| D | Dahlonega | Georgia | Historic gold, 1838–1861 |
The Same Letter Can Mean Different Mints
The D on modern U.S. coins means Denver, while D on certain nineteenth-century gold coins means Dahlonega. Date and coin type resolve the difference.
Where to Find the Mark
Mint-mark locations vary and can move when designs change. Use a reliable guide for the exact denomination and year instead of assuming it will always be below the date or beside a portrait.
Bullion Coins and Mint Marks
U.S. bullion coins may not display the mint mark one expects from collector versions. Proof and uncirculated collector issues can carry marks that ordinary bullion versions do not.
Altered and Counterfeit Marks
A tiny added or removed mint mark can transform the apparent value of a coin. Examine rare combinations closely and use reputable professional authentication.
- Do not value a mint mark without checking the date and type.
- Do not confuse Denver D with Dahlonega D.
- Do not scrape or clean the area to reveal a mark.
- Do not buy an apparent rarity based only on a seller’s photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some Philadelphia coins have no P?
Philadelphia historically omitted a mint mark on many denominations; rules vary by period and coin.
Does a mint mark always make a coin valuable?
No. Mintage, survival, condition, variety, and demand determine value.
Can mint marks be faked?
Yes. Marks can be added, removed, or altered, so valuable combinations deserve professional authentication.
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A mint mark is evidence only when it agrees with the coin’s date, type, design, and documented production history.