Modern U.S. marks
PPhiladelphia
DDenver
SSan Francisco
WWest Point
Philadelphia coins often carried no mark. The exact convention varies by denomination and year, so a blank space is not proof of a missing-mint-mark error.
Historic marks
Collectors may also see O for New Orleans, CC for Carson City, C for Charlotte, and D for Dahlonega. Context matters because D represented Dahlonega on older gold coins and Denver on later issues.
The mark can appear on either side and moves between designs. Use a guide for the exact coin instead of assuming one universal location.
Three easy traps
- Circulating U.S. coins dated 1965 through 1967 were made without mint marks.
- A mark can be weak, worn, damaged, or hidden by dirt.
- A true omitted-mark variety requires the issue to normally carry a mark and the absence to match a documented minting variety.
Best workflowIdentify the coin and year first. Then check which facilities made that issue and where its mint mark should be.