Where is the mint mark on a U.S. coin?
Common mint mark letters
U.S. mint marks include P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, S for San Francisco, and W for West Point on some issues. Older coins sometimes used CC for Carson City. The letter tells you which mint struck that coin, which can affect how many were made.
Many coins from the Philadelphia mint have no mint mark, because it was the main mint for certain series. A missing mint mark is not a defect, and it does not automatically make a coin more valuable.
- P: Philadelphia, where many coins have no mark
- D: Denver
- S: San Francisco
- W and CC appear on some older or special issues
Finding it on the coin
Look near the date on the front, or check the back near the design, depending on the denomination. Some mint marks are small, so good light and a magnifier help. Confirm the location in a reference guide for your specific coin.
Mint marks can be added or changed by alterers, so compare suspicious marks with verified examples before assuming the coin is genuine.
Mint mark locations can differ from one series to another, so verify in a reference guide before you assume where to look. A quick check saves time and avoids mistakes.
Common mistakes
- Confusing a mint mark with a date digit or small design detail.
- Assuming a missing mint mark makes a coin rare.
