There are certain aspects to a coin that may not have caught your attention. Apart from the huge value, some minute details will be missed at all times. To take things specifically, we are talking about mint marks and the significance behind the same. Almost every coin in circulation has a mint mark, and if you are aware of the same, you might even know what it stands for. But if you don’t, then we are here to clarify because it is an integral part of history, considering the fact that the coin is old. Hence, here is all that you need to know about Mint Marks on coins.
The Meaning
The fundamental essence or meaning behind a mint mark is quite simple, as it denotes the mint that it was being produced. This particular identity goes a long way in establishing points for the mint and how they manufactured the same. Coins that have been circulated in the US tend to have the mark in terms of a small letter. If you look closer that small letter will either be “D” or “S”. This once again goes to prove the place that produced this particular coin and how it did it.
The Identification
One must also keep in mind that you will find numerous letters apart from D and S. Although, both these letters are the most common, there are other mints that have been producing and minting coins. So to add on more knowledge, here are some of the marks and their famous mints.
1. P – Philadelphia, PA
2. C – Charlotte, NC
3. D – Dahlonega, GA
4. S – San Francisco, CA
5. O – New Orleans, LA
6. CC – Carson City, NV
7. W – West Point, NY
8. D – Denver, CO
So, the next time you see the mint mark on these coins, you will have the right clues about their origin.
The Importance
Another aspect of these mints that people don’t really know about is its value. Collectors use these mint marks for a lot of reasons, and one of them is to determine the coin’s value. By examining the mint mark, these individuals will get the right idea about the same, as it also denotes the condition of the coin. Most of the coins that do not contain a mint mark will not be considered for collection and people will take it out of circulation. When an expert views a coin, he/she will first look at the mint mark and then decide on the kind of value that it needs to hold. By doing so, they can also understand the credibility behind the same and understand whether or not; it is a fake coin.
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