Understanding Mint Marks: What They Mean for Your Coins

Nov 4

If you’ve ever looked closely at your coins, you may have noticed a small letter — like “D,” “S,” or “P” — stamped near the date. That tiny letter is called a mint mark, and it holds big significance in the world of coin collecting.

At Houston TX Coin Dealer, we often get asked what mint marks mean and why some coins are worth more than others just because of that one little letter. Whether you’re new to collecting or organizing an old collection, understanding mint marks is a key part of identifying your coins’ value.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Mint Mark?

A mint mark identifies which U.S. Mint facility produced a coin. Since the U.S. Mint operates in multiple cities, each location uses its own letter to mark where the coin was made.

For example:

P – Philadelphia Mint
D – Denver Mint
S – San Francisco Mint
W – West Point Mint
CC – Carson City Mint (historic, no longer active)

Coins without a mint mark are usually from the Philadelphia Mint, especially older coins before the 1980s.

Why Mint Marks Matter

Mint marks can dramatically affect a coin’s rarity and value.

For example:

A 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (from the San Francisco Mint) can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars — while a 1909 VDB from Philadelphia is much more common.
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after silver dollars because of its low mintage at the San Francisco Mint.

The smaller the mint’s production that year, the rarer the coin — and the higher its potential value.

Where to Find the Mint Mark

The location of the mint mark varies depending on the coin series:

Lincoln Cents – Under the date (front side)
Jefferson Nickels – To the right of Monticello on the reverse (older coins), or next to the date (newer coins)
Washington Quarters – To the right of the ribbon on the reverse (older) or beside the date on the obverse (modern)
Morgan Dollars – On the reverse, below the eagle’s tail feathers
Peace Dollars – On the reverse, just below the word “ONE”

Checking this spot can help you quickly identify where your coin was minted.

A Quick History of U.S. Mint Marks

1793–1838: Only the Philadelphia Mint operated, so no mint marks were used.
1838 onward: Branch mints like New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC) began marking their coins.
1965–1967: Mint marks were temporarily removed to discourage hoarding during the coin shortage.
1980: The Philadelphia Mint began adding its “P” mint mark to most coins (except the cent).

Each change tells a story about U.S. coin production and history.

Common Misconceptions About Mint Marks

My coin has no mint mark — is it rare?
Not necessarily. Many coins without mint marks are from Philadelphia, which produced millions of coins each year.
A mint mark always makes a coin valuable.
The mint mark adds context, but condition, rarity, and demand still determine the true value.

How to Use Mint Marks When Selling Your Coins

When you’re getting your coins appraised or considering selling, mint marks help determine pricing.
At Houston TX Coin Dealer, we carefully check each coin’s mint mark, year, and condition to give you a clear idea of its worth in today’s market.

Our appraisals are always free, whether you bring your coins to our office or schedule a mobile appraisal at your home anywhere in the Greater Houston area.

Conclusion: Small Mark, Big Meaning

That tiny letter on your coin carries more history and value than you might think. By learning how to identify and understand mint marks, you’ll have a better appreciation for your collection — and a sharper eye when buying or selling.

Houston TX Coin Dealer
💰 We Buy and Appraise: Silver & Gold Coins, Rare Coins, and Old U.S. Currency
📍 Serving All of Houston and Surrounding Areas
📞 Contact us today to schedule your free coin appraisal — and find out what your mint marks are really worth!